George Gershwin’sAn American in Paris

17 & 18 October 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

The Roaring Twenties was a time of heady optimism in Paris. That joyous cross-pollination is immediately evident in these works by Gershwin, Stravinsky and Ravel.

The Roaring Twenties

Gershwin brought the Jazz Age to the concert hall with An American in Paris. From its audacious opening to its explosive tunes, this is music that recreates the lively spirit of Paris, from its dance halls to its streets.

Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand features similarly jazzy rhythms, demanding enormous virtuosity from the pianist. In Konstantin Shamray we have one of Australia's finest, and he brings his 'rich, colourful palate of sound' (Limelight) to this extraordinary work.

Stravinsky's Pulcinella sees the composer looking back to more classical times. His trademark ingenuity shines through in the contrasts of instrumental voices, creating a work that feels familiar and excitingly new.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

STRAVINSKY Pulcinella: Suite 
RAVEL Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
GERSHWIN An American in Paris

Artist information

Umberto Clerici conductor & presenter 
Konstantin Shamray piano 

Plan your visit

You may also like

Kutcha Edwards & the Sydney Symphony

14 Oct 2025

Kutcha Edwards is a force of nature. Come together at the Sydney Opera House as iconic activist and multi award-winning songwriter Kutcha Edwards – ‘quite possibly the finest contemporary singer of his generation’ (Rhythms Magazine) – presents Ngarli-Wangu, together with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Conductor in Residence Benjamin Northey.

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
Kutcha Edwards sings with microphone in hand

Gershwin & Shostakovich

3 Aug 2025

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.

  • Classical Music
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra

Emily Sun & Slava Grigoryan

17 Aug 2025

Second show available at 6pm Two beloved artists in a new duo: international star violinist returning home, Emily Sun, and multi-ARIA-winning guitarist Slava Grigoryan, playing Piazzolla, Paganini, Locatelli, de Sarasate and a premiere by Andrew Howes.

  • Classical Music

Checking availability