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MAHLER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PROGRAM 2

11 June 2013

Venue: Concert Hall  View Seat Map
Presented by: Sydney Opera House

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Featuring American star cellist Alisa Weilerstein

Book both programs (10 - 11 June) and save 25% Call 02 9250 7777 to book now!

Description

HENZE Sonata for strings
SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Concerto No.1, Op.107
DVOŘÁK Symphony No.9 From the New World

Shostakovich’s white-knuckle cello concerto is the ideal vehicle for Alisa Weilerstein, whose intense and dramatic reading of this work has a devastating power. Shostakovich is emblematic of the bitter facts of Soviet Russian life but Dvořák’sSymphony No.9 is the optimistic opposite, born in a new world. This portrait of the golden age of 19th-Century America was premiered, aptly, in Carnegie Hall. Both are ideal showcases for the brilliant Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

HENZE Sonata for strings
SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Concerto No.1, Op.107
DVOŘÁK Symphony No.9 From the New World

Shostakovich’s white-knuckle cello concerto is the ideal vehicle for Alisa Weilerstein, whose intense and dramatic reading of this work has a devastating power. Shostakovich is emblematic of the bitter facts of Soviet Russian life but Dvořák’sSymphony No.9 is the optimistic opposite, born in a new world. This portrait of the golden age of 19th-Century America was premiered, aptly, in Carnegie Hall. Both are ideal showcases for the brilliant Mahler Chamber Orchestra.

MAHLER CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
 The finest musicians from over 20 European countries, stellar conductors and a globetrotting schedule, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra (MCO) is one of the most acclaimed ensembles on the scene. MCO was established 15 years ago by luminary conductor Claudio Abbado with the vision of being an independent international orchestra of the highest calibre. By 2008, the French newspaper Le Monde was calling the MCO “the best orchestra in the world”. The core membership of 45 musicians live all over Europe and tour up to 200 days a year, in repertoire ranging from baroque to contemporary, and from opera to symphonies. Whatever they play, they play with a ‘chamber’ philosophy: intimate interplay between musicians, intensity and attentiveness. Every concert is an adventure.

Purchase tickets to both programs (10 & 11 June) and save 25%*.
Phone 02 9250 7777 to book this offer.

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Artist Information

ALISA WEILERSTEIN, CELLO

Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1 in E-flat Major, Op.107

“Her technical abilities serve a taste for sweep and intensity; she performs with soulful expression and physical abandon.” New York Times

Alisa Weilerstein has quickly become one of the most sought-after musicians of her generation, and the heir-apparent to the title of Great American Cellist. Intense, sensitive and spontaneous, Weilerstein is a natural communicator as well as a commanding virtuoso. In 2011, her accomplishments were recognised with a MacArthur Fellowship, the ‘Genius Grant’ which frees its recipients to pursue their art to its highest peaks. She’s just 30 years old and her CV already lists the accomplishments of an international soloist: the A-list orchestras and star conductors she’s worked with. But what quickly becomes apparent when watching her is that Weilerstein is that she is completely in love with the cello, with performing and with her fellow musicians.

ALISA WEILERSTEIN, CELLO

Shostakovich Cello Concerto No.1 in E-flat Major, Op.107

“Her technical abilities serve a taste for sweep and intensity; she performs with soulful expression and physical abandon.” New York Times

Alisa Weilerstein has quickly become one of the most sought-after musicians of her generation, and the heir-apparent to the title of Great American Cellist. Intense, sensitive and spontaneous, Weilerstein is a natural communicator as well as a commanding virtuoso. In 2011, her accomplishments were recognised with a MacArthur Fellowship, the ‘Genius Grant’ which frees its recipients to pursue their art to its highest peaks. She’s just 30 years old and her CV already lists the accomplishments of an international soloist: the A-list orchestras and star conductors she’s worked with. But what quickly becomes apparent when watching her is that Weilerstein is that she is completely in love with the cello, with performing and with her fellow musicians.

Weilerstein performs the emotionally and technically demanding First Cello Concerto of Dmitri Shostakovich, one of the most searing musical statements in 20th century music. Sorrowful and sarcastic, bitter and biting, the cello concerto, like many of Shostakovich’s best works is a deeply, almost disturbing, personal utterance, embroidered with his own musical ‘monogram’. The Independent says it best: “Weilerstein was the complete musical actress whose orations from hushed and furtive and fearful to ferociously assertive were gripping in the extreme.  We must cast our minds back to Rostropovich to remember an account of the slow movement as potent and technically accomplished as this.”

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Pricing Information

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Standard $35 - $125
Insiders $28 - $100
Concession* $35 - $110
Buy 2**: Program 1 & 2 $35 - $148.50
Under 30*** $35 - $35
Booking fee applies per transaction

$8.50 - Contact Centre
$8.50 - Internet
$5.00 - Box Office Counter

Pricing Information Explained

Pricing Information Explained

*Concessions include Australian pensioners and Australian full-time students.

**Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Tickets must be purchased by the same person, in the same transaction and in the same reserve for each program. Offer only available by phone and not available online.
***Under 30 - proof of age must be brought to the performance

For events which offer concession pricing, if you purchase concession tickets, please ensure you have your Proof of Concession with you when you attend an event.

Ticket Booking Enquiries: For all general booking enquiries please email the Contact Centre or call on +61 2 9250 7777 for more information.

Groups Bookings: Please email the Group Booking team or call on +61 2 9250 7700 for more information.

Insider Prices: Insiders are Sydney Opera House members. Insiders get waived booking fees, up to 20% off Sydney Opera House Presents shows and more. More Info

Performance Dates

Reviews

"The orchestra sounded superb, light and robust, graceful and full." New York Sun

"The plaintive warmth of the string playing was beyond belief." New York Times

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