ACO: The Four Seasons - A Music Film In Conversation with Richard Evans and Matisse Ruby

1 May 2025

In the Playhouse

Cinema

Australia | 2024 | English | Concert Film | E

The Four Seasons is arguably the most recognisable piece of classical music ever written. This filmed ACO performance, directed by Richard Tognetti, highlights the symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East, interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros.

This special screening is followed by an insightful conversation with ACO Managing Director Richard Evans and film director Matisse Ruby, plus an audience Q&A.

One of the most rhapsodic, lyrical, explosive and imaginative Four Seasons you’re ever likely to hear.

The West Australian

Useful information:

A truly cinematic orchestral experience

The Australian Chamber Orchestra has always forged its own path and refused to be constrained by genre or artform. With Artistic Director and violinist Richard Tognetti at the helm, the ACO has been producing films for over a decade, from their award-winning collaborations with BAFTA-nominated director Jennifer Peedom (Mountain, River) to their acclaimed series of music films, ACO StudioCasts, which were developed in partnership with director Matisse Ruby to create a truly cinematic orchestral experience. The Four Seasons, also directed by Ruby and with cinematography by Jeremy Rouse (Blaze), is the latest film release from this ground-breaking ensemble.

The Four Seasons is arguably the most recognisable piece of classical music ever written. This performance, directed by Tognetti, highlights the profound symbiosis between Vivaldi’s Venice and the Middle East, interspersing Vivaldi’s masterpiece with music by Australian-Egyptian composer and oud virtuoso Joseph Tawadros. This coming together of Eastern and Western musical traditions honours Vivaldi’s classic while giving it new life. A must-see for music lovers and cinephiles alike.

Following the screening, join ACO Managing Director Richard Evans for an engaging live discussion. He will be joined by the film's director, Matisse Ruby, for an in-depth conversation along with an audience Q&A.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Program

Antonio Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Interspersed with music by Joseph Tawadros

Artists

Richard Tognetti
Director and Lead Violin

Joseph Tawadros
Oud

James Tawadros
Riq

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Matisse Ruby
Film Director

Jeremy Rouse
Director of Photography

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