Rachmaninoff International Orchestra
Rachmaninoff International Orchestra (RIO)’s first recording under the direction of founder and artistic director Mikhail Pletnev released on Feb 23, 2024
Mikhail Pletnev’s new ensemble is already finely honed
Judging by this debut recording, [the RIO] is already a finely honed ensemble. The playing doesn’t yet boast the razor-sharp precision of articulation that perhaps can only be achieved by a long-established orchestra. But this is a relatively minor disadvantage when measured against the commitment of the performance as a whole… Pletnev has opted to create his own arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s work. This preserves the narrative chronological sequence of music as it unfolds throughout the ballet. [The Bizet/Shchedrin Carmen Suite] has drive, rhythmic exuberance and expressive intensity.
– June 2024 BBC Music Magazine