Australian violinist Christian Li in a blue collared shirt

Bernstein & Korngold

27 & 28 June 2025

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

Full of gorgeous strings, brilliant brass and the irrepressible energy of mid-century America, this concert brings together three iconic composers.

Featuring violinist Christian Li

Caribbean sounds collide with New York’s jazz scene in music by Gershwin and Bernstein, and Korngold brings the Golden Age of Hollywood to the stage.

Australian violinist Christian Li became the youngest winner in the history of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists at age ten, and the youngest artist ever signed to Decca Classics two years later. Still only 17, he brings his ‘staggering virtuosity’ (BBC Music Magazine) to Korngold’s Violin Concerto, full of stirring melodies that draw on the composer’s scores for the Silver Screen. It’s the perfect companion to Bernstein’s thrilling Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, and the infectious Latin feel of Gershwin’s Cuban Overture.

This is music that will leap off the stage and fill your heart.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

Bree VAN REYK Fanfare for Solidarity 50 Fanfare Commission
KORNGOLD Violin Concerto
GERSHWIN Cuban Overture*
BERNSTEIN Symphonic Dances from West Side Story
*Does not feature in the Friday 27 June performance

Artist information

EDUARDO STRAUSSER conductor
CHRISTIAN LI violin

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