Utzon Music Series
Andreas Ottensamer
Andreas Ottensamer is the reigning monarch of clarinet players – a musician of charm, insight and dazzling virtuosity.
In the Utzon Room
“Ottensamer surely has few peers among today's clarinettists"
Gramophone
The king of the clarinet
Andreas Ottensamer was fated to become a virtuoso clarinettist. His father played with the Vienna Philharmonic, where his brother is currently a clarinetist, and Andreas is principal clarinet of the legendary Berlin Philharmonic. The young Austro-Hungarian musician has brought his instrument to new levels of popularity by combining a bewitching sound, brilliant execution and an engaging stage presence. Andreas is always looking for new colours and new ways of looking at the music, whether he’s performing jazzy Gershwin or mellow Brahms. The clarinet’s almost vocal quality comes to the fore in Mendelssohn’s exquisite Songs Without Words, spinning out some of the most gorgeous melodies ever penned, while showpieces by Weber and Debussy demonstrate the charm, agility and velocity of Andreas’ sleek, stylish playing and Australian pianist Alex Raineri’s superb musicianship.
Andreas Ottensamer, clarinet
Alex Raineri, piano
Presented by Sydney Opera House.
Program
MENDELSSOHN
Songs Without Words (selection)
BRAHMS
Intermezzo
WEBER
Grand Duo Concertant, Op.48
DEBUSSY
Première Rhapsodie
GERSHWIN
Three Preludes
JOSEPH HOROVITZ
Sonatina
Masterclass
New in 2019, share an intimate ‘behind the scenes’ experience with our Utzon Music Series artists.
The musicians will work with early-career classical music artists in a masterclasses, revealing their performance insights and interpretations of great composers’ music.
The Utzon Music Series Masterclasses are enabled by Jillian Segal AM and John Roth through the Yarranabbe Foundation.
A note from Yarmila Alfonzetti, Series Curator
I defy anyone to not be charmed and enthralled by the musicianship of Andreas; he seems to plough through repertoire and concert performances like it’s all the easiest thing in the world. And of course, that is the job of a consummate musician – to make it all seem beautiful and possible. Last time Andreas was in Sydney I’ll never forget the queue for his masterclass at the Sydney Con…it snaked all the way out the main door, past the Botanic Gardens gate and turned the corner at Macquarie Street! I couldn’t be happier to have both Andreas and Alex back in the Utzon Room to share with us the very best of the virtuosic clarinet.
Make the most of your experience...
Add a drinks voucher or drinks with a cheese platter to your purchase and redeem it at any of the foyer bars inside the Opera House – perfect for a pre-show or interval refreshment.
Join us for a meal at Opera Bar before or after your guided Sydney Opera House Tour. We’ve picked our favourites - beer battered fish & chips, rump steak or a seasonal vegetarian meal option*. No reservations needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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