Born of a singular moment in history, the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra embodies the vision of its founder, Mikhail Pletnev, and his commitment to dismantling barriers through the universal language of music. In a world that is increasingly divided and conflictive, the RIO musicians have taken the words of Richard Strauss as their motto: "When spiritual goods become rarer than material ones, and egotism, envy and hatred govern the world, music will do much to re-establish love among mankind".

Composed of preeminent musicians from Eastern and Western Europe, the RIO's recordings and performances draw from the wide breadth of classical repertoire, with a focus on the Romantic and modern composers whose works have been the hallmark of Mikhail Pletnev's celebrated interpretations. Like its namesake – composer, pianist, and conductor Sergei Rachmaninoff – the RIO is dedicated to the highest standards of performance and artistic expression.

The RIO is collaborating with some of today's preeminent musicians, among them Maestro Kent Nagano.

The RIO's recordings and broadcasts have received acclaim from critics and audiences around the globe. The orchestra is reaching an ever-expanding audience, with forthcoming appearances in Europe and prestigious festivals in Shanghai, Beijing, Macau and Seoul.