Beethoven’s Third Symphony

20 - 23 March 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Breaking boundaries with size, scale and emotional content, Beethoven shot the music world into a new century with this, his ‘Heroic’ symphony.

Víkingur Ólafsson performs Ravel

Beginning with two giant chords that open to a landscape of thrilling power, the symphony builds to final movements that are bright, bold and triumphant.

Icelandic phenomenon Víkingur Ólafsson makes his Australian concerto debut. Ólafsson's exquisite performances have captivated audiences and inspired legions of new classical fans: 'whatever he plays, Ólafsson treats the music with equal distinction: articulation wonderfully fleet and clean; the phrasing flexible, always alive; the range of touch in his fingers stretching into infinity,' wrote The Times (London). Here he brings a contemporary touch to Ravel's Piano Concerto, an ideal challenge for a soloist of such virtuosity.

The Sydney Symphony’s Principal Guest Conductor Sir Donald Runnicles, renowned for creating experiences of great expressive power and distinction, leads these performances.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

DEBUSSY arr. Colin Matthews Four Preludes:
Book I, No.12: Minstrels
Book II, No.3: La puerta del Vino
Book I, No.4: Les sons et les parfums tournent dans l'air du soir
Book II, No.6: Général Lavine
RAVEL Piano Concerto in G
BEETHOVEN Symphony No.3, Eroica

Artist information

Donald Runnicles conductor 
Víkingur Ólafsson piano 

Other information

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