After a sold-out 2024 ACO debut that drew rave reviews across the country, Nicolas Altstaedt returns to the Orchestra in 2027. The acclaimed German-French cellist will open our national touring season as guest director and soloist, bringing his trademark blend of virtuosity, curiosity and musical adventure to a program shaped by his distinctive artistic voice.
★★★★★
“Enthusiastically executed… equal measures of rapture and fearlessness.”The Age on Altstaedt Plays Haydn and Tchaikovsky, 2024
For Altstaedt, that first experience with the ACO was held in high regard. “Being invited to work and perform with the ACO is an inspiration, that surpasses many dreams,” he said.
That admiration was clearly mutual, and the tour left a lasting impression not only on audiences, but our own musicians. ACO Violin Anna da Silva Chen picked the season opener as her 2027 highlight, and explains what Altstaedt brings to the stage beyond just virtuosity.
That admiration was clearly mutual, and the tour left a lasting impression not only on audiences, but our own musicians. ACO Violin Anna da Silva Chen picked the season opener as her 2027 highlight, and explains what Altstaedt brings to the stage beyond just virtuosity.
“I am beyond excited for Nicolas Altstaedt's return as guest director. It is a role he takes on not only as a star soloist, but as a true conductor and chamber musician. The program he has curated for us is the perfect mix of old and new, along with lesser-known works he clearly feels a personal connection to.”ACO Violin Anna da Silva Chen
Altstaedt's performances have earned widespread international acclaim for their technical brilliance and expressive depth. Reviewing his 2024 ACO debut, The Australian praised a musician with “technique to burn, near perfect intonation, superb control of extreme registers and harmonics”, noting that his playing was “so impeccable in rhythmic nuance, that one hung on every note as if they were the words of a master storyteller.”
But it is not only critics and audiences who are eager to welcome him back.
ACO Violin Tim Yu also remembers the 2024 tour as one of the highlights of recent seasons. “I am very excited to collaborate with Nicolas Altstaedt again. Our last tour together was so enjoyable and I am looking forward to whatever wizardry he conjures up again this time around.”, while ACO Cello Julian Thompson describes Altstaedt as an electrifying artist whose energy perfectly matches that of the ACO.
But it is not only critics and audiences who are eager to welcome him back.
ACO Violin Tim Yu also remembers the 2024 tour as one of the highlights of recent seasons. “I am very excited to collaborate with Nicolas Altstaedt again. Our last tour together was so enjoyable and I am looking forward to whatever wizardry he conjures up again this time around.”, while ACO Cello Julian Thompson describes Altstaedt as an electrifying artist whose energy perfectly matches that of the ACO.
“It will be wonderful to start the year joined by Nicolas Altstaedt for a remarkable program. His musicianship, so full of curiosity and life, links perfectly with the ACO's energy.”ACO Cello Julian Thompson
In addition to guest directing this national tour with the ACO, the 2027 Season finds Altstaedt on some of the world's leading stages, with engagements including the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic and Munich Chamber Orchestra.
A highlight for musicians and audiences alike, Altstaedt's return promises extraordinary virtuosity and the collaboration of master storytellers who hold the past and future in equal measure. For those who were captivated by his debut in 2024, and for those discovering him for the first time, it is set to be a memorable start to the year.
A highlight for musicians and audiences alike, Altstaedt's return promises extraordinary virtuosity and the collaboration of master storytellers who hold the past and future in equal measure. For those who were captivated by his debut in 2024, and for those discovering him for the first time, it is set to be a memorable start to the year.
Image by Nic Walker. Altstaedt Plays Haydn and Tchaikovsky, 2024.
