News from former pupils

the illustrious founder

Serge Rachmaninoff (1873-1943), virtuoso pianist, composer, conductor, great humanist and symbol of universal Russian music, is closely associated with the Conservatoire that bears his name.

2025

A unique statue

This bronze statue is the only one representing Serge Rachmaninoff in Europe, making it an absolutely unique piece. The work of Georgian sculptor Besik Solomanishvili, It was inaugurated on 1 April 2025, the day of the 152nd anniversary of his birth.

Present for the inauguration was the composer's great-granddaughter, Alexandra Rachmaninoff ; the Mayor of the 16th arrondissement, Jérémy Redler; pianist Michel Dalberto, member of the artistic committee, The figure of Serge Rachmaninoff remains an indisputable model. And the director of the establishment, Arnaud Frilley, A reminder of just how close this great Russian is to the Conservatoire...

1931

In 1931, Rachmaninoff became honorary president

The story begins in 1931, when is founded the Russian Musical Society Abroad (SMRE) in Paris, an organisation responsible for funding and overseeing the Conservatoire’s activities and for providing support for Russian musicians in the capital.

In a letter to Rachmaninoff, the SMRE wrote: «.« The Board of the Conservatoire unanimously asks you to accept the title of Honorary President of the Russian Conservatoire in Paris. ».

The illustrious pianist, then in New York, replied with a telegram in French, preserved in the archives: « Accept with gratitude. »

1932

A benevolent and altruistic figure

In 1932, a second Russian Conservatoire was established as a rival to the first, with many teachers being approached. Sergei Rachmaninoff argued in favour of the’Russian musicians’ ensemble in Paris. And it’s worked: soon there will be just one left the only Russian conservatoire in the capital.

Right from the start, Rachmaninoff stands out for its generosity towards artists in exile. The association records tens of thousands of francs in donations in his name, or made anonymously – but everyone knows that behind the modesty and discretion lies the great man.

1933

Alongside students and teachers

Le 7 May 1933, it is once again Sergei Rachmaninoff who inaugurates the Russian Conservatoire’s new building – the one you’re standing in front of. Please go to the main hall on the first floor to read the an account of that memorable day.

Every time he visits France, Rachmaninoff visits this school, which he is particularly fond of. He attends several concerts in person and develops the «private concerts» reserved for to students and lecturers, and provides feedback during the end-of-year examinations.

If you’d like to find out more, come in and look for the piano played by Rachmaninoff, in the ground-floor living room.