My mom, who (would be) 105, saw and heard Rachmaninov at the American Conservatory in Chicago, c. 1937, when she was a violin/viola student there. Every time she made mention of him, she commented on his hands, his long fingers, and of course the thrill of hearing him play and speak.
Mom passed 8 years ago at age 97. Everywhere she went, there was music in the room.
That’s a great memory your mother shared with you. She left a beautiful legacy with her talent and love of music.
Peach