Alexander Gavrylyuk plays the piano.

Alexander Gavrylyuk performs Rachmaninov An Ocean of Sound

  • Classical Music
  • Sydney Symphony Orchestra
  • Concert Hall
  • Seating map

‘A virtuoso in the fullest sense,’ (Gramophone) Ukrainian-born Australian pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk has been a favourite of Sydney audiences for more than fifteen years

Our former Principal Conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy called him ‘an extraordinary talent.’ 

Here Gavrylyuk tackles Rachmaninov’s notoriously difficult Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. These 24 variations take you on a wild ride, from stormy to mischievous to tender; but in the 18th, Rachmaninov flips the melody upside down to reveal one of classical music’s biggest and best-loved tunes.   

Australian conductor Nicholas Carter leads this exquisite program that draws inspiration from the ever-changing moods of the ocean. Recently announced as General Music Director at Stuttgart and fresh off acclaimed productions at The Met in New York, Carter too has a long relationship with the Sydney Symphony and we are excited to welcome him back.    

Britten’s Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes present a dangerous and unforgiving ocean, hiding mystery and cruelty. Debussy’s La Mer depicts an undulating world, full of enchantment, featuring a rolling wave of brass at the start which crashes spectacularly at the end. And in its Australian premiere, Poème by Jeanne Demessieux reflects the strident power and still depths of the sea.  

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Event details

Program

BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes 
RACHMANINOV Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini 
DEMESSIEUX Poème 
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE 
DEBUSSY La Mer 

Artists

NICHOLAS CARTER conductor 
ALEXANDER GAVRYLYUK piano 

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Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Concert Hall

The Concert Hall is located beneath the largest of Sydney Opera House’s roof sails, filling the upper levels of the west side of the building. Best accessed through the covered concourse. 

All Sydney Opera House foyers are accessible, with lifts to the main and western foyers. The public lift to all foyers is accessible from the corridor near the escalators on the Lower Concourse and also in the Western Foyer via the corridor on the Ground Level (at the top of the escalators).

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