Gershwin & Shostakovich

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra
  • Concert Hall
  • Run time - 120 minutes, 1 interval

A celebration of the power of music featuring Gershwin’s

Music is a powerful defence against darkness. Throughout history, composers have responded to adversity time and time again by creating music full of hope.

Richard Tognetti directs this profound program that features Ukrainian-born, internationally renowned pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk making his ACO debut in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s witty, irreverent Piano Concerto No.1 with David Elton on trumpet.

Gershwin’s much-loved Rhapsody in Blue is a life-affirming explosion of jazz and joy, an exultant celebration of difference and dynamism. It’s a stark contrast to Shostakovich’s intense and emotional Chamber Symphony, dedicated to the victims of fascism and oppression. It tells a story of fear and melancholy but never loses hope. 

In response, the ACO have commissioned a new work from Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, known for his lyrical, introspective and consoling style which he shares with his friend Arvo Pärt. This is a special piece, which the composer wrote for the ACO while sheltering from war after escaping his native Kyiv. 

This is music that stands with victims of injustice. It lights the darkness and celebrates human ingenuity and courage.

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra

Event details

Program and artists

George Gershwin (arr. piano, trumpet and strings) Rhapsody in Blue
Dmitri Shostakovich (arr. Rudolf Barshai) Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op.110a “Dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascism and war”
Valentin Silvestrov A Moment of Memory (World Premiere)*
Claude Vivier Zipangu
Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op.35
*Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Richard Tognetti  Director and Violin
Alexander Gavrylyuk  Piano
David Elton  Trumpet
Australian Chamber Orchestra

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located beneath the largest of Sydney Opera House’s roof sails, filling the upper levels of the west side of the building. Best accessed through the covered concourse. All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

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