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Variations on an English Theme: Haydn, Brahms & Britten

11 December 2013 – 14 December 2013

Venue: Concert Hall  View Seat Map
Presented by: Sydney Symphony

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Take a theme – change it, enhance it, disguise it… Musical variations – the ultimate test of creativity. With conductor James Gaffigan.

Description

Britten’s famous Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra uses a 17th-century theatre tune to shine a spotlight on the orchestra, from piccolo to percussion. Plus Haydn’s radiant and witty ‘Oxford’ Symphony and Brahms’ own tribute to Haydn.

After years holed up in the Hungarian countryside, Haydn headed off to England where he made a fortune as the most famous composer in the world. The acclaim brought with it an honorary degree from Oxford and his radiant and witty Symphony No.92 was part of the celebrations. Later Brahms paid his own tribute to Haydn with a set of variations that builds from a serene, hymn-like tune to a majestic climax.

If variation technique is a test of creativity, then Brahms and Britten pass with flying colours. Britten’s Young Person’s Guide, which uses a 17th-century theatre tune to shine a spotlight on the orchestra, from piccolo to percussion. And Britten’s darkly eloquent violin concerto, concluding with its own set of variations, is the vehicle for young Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang, making her Australian debut.

HAYDN Symphony No.92 (Oxford)
BRITTEN The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
BRITTEN Violin Concerto
BRAHMS Variations on a Theme of Haydn

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Artist Information

Conductor James Gaffigan
Violin Vilde Frang

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
Concession* $53 - $89
Group 8+ $47 - $79
Booking fee applies per transaction

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

Pricing Information Explained

Pricing Information Explained

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.

Youth and Student Ticket Offer**

*Concessions are available to Australian pensioners and Australian full-time students
**Available to youth under 30 and Australian full-time tertiray students only. $35 tickets are in C-reserve seats only. Please book by phoning Contact Centre on +61 2 9250 7777

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

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