RACHEL FRANKLIN LIVE IN CONCERT WITH THE PIEDMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
“Of the many qualities that distinguished the English pianist Rachel Franklin’s recital…it was perhaps the intelligence underpinning her creative interpretations that caused her to stand out from so many other young pianists that have been heard here….Ultimately it mattered little whether one agreed with every detail of these challenging interpretations, so stimulating and refreshing were they.”~ Irish Times, Ireland
MEDIA
Formal Bio 2025
More Audience Comments from Smithsonian Associates Lectures
“Rachel Franklin is one of the reasons I am a Smithsonian Associates member. She is one exceptionally talented performer and teacher. A real treasure!! Looking forward for her next program. Thank You Smithsonian Associates.”
“Words cannot describe…. All of Rachel’s programs are Wonderful – fully researched, entertaining, etc. BUT this was Over The Top. I’ve GOT to access the repeat program as I unfortunately had to miss the first half of the program (which I had been SO looking forward to). Again my thanks and admiration to Rachel and thank you Smithsonian for making such a fantastic program available. Again WOW, Thank You Rachel for an Outstanding second half. Can’t wait to see the beginning, and looking forward to 7 August.”
“It was so emotional. It was fascinating to hear of Gershwin’s natural talent and the extent to which he used that talent in his short life.”
“This Program and the one last week were excellent! Dr. Franklin does a fantastic job of explaining music and helping us understand and enjoy it. I have under-appreciated Ravel. I didn’t know it until I took this two part course. But, now I know and I will try to make up for it. This is all thanks to Dr. Franklin! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“Fantastic presentation on the Oscar winning composers of Hollywood musical scores and songs. The film clips were fascinating and the background information provided much insight into the film making process.”
“Well Rachel Franklin … you had me right at Casablanca !!! You are superb. Thank You.”
“The presenter is extraordinary. Her passion and love for the music beam across the internet. WOW. It also helped to have her play passages herself.”
“Wonderful presentation. I love Rachel’s sense of humor and description of the movies and scores. Also loved the Liszt recital — an extra treat!”
“Rachel Franklin taught me more than I ever knew about Bizet and my all-time favorite opera, Carmen. I have the characteristics of Carmen. I’m Carmen.”
“Rachel presented a fabulous program – I knew so little about Coward and was thrilled with the excerpts from plays and movies that she chose – and his songs. Thank you for having her!!!”
“This course was exceptionally informative because of the historic context provided — both related to the very late beginnings of Russian composers of symphonic music and the effects of political systems on the lives and music of Russian composers. Very insightful.”
“The course and Rachel’s presentation has made me want to go deeper into the music and the Russian composers. I’ve been a fan for a long time but this course has made me realize how much I’ve been missing. Thank you to Smithsonian and Rachel.”
“Swing Low Sweet Chariot”: Rachel Franklin in concert
Spoken Broadcast for National Public Radio
Fryderyk Chopin
Sonata in Bb Minor, Op .35 1st Movement