TRAD. (arr. Nico Muhly) Selection of American folk songs
JANÁČEK (arr. strings) String Quartet No.1 Kreutzer Sonata
TRAD. (arr. Nico Muhly) More American folk songs
JOHN ADAMS Shaker Loops: I. Shaking and trembling
BRACKETT (arr. Pekka Kuusisto) Simple Gifts (Shaker hymn)
JOHN ADAMS Shaker Loops: II. Hymning slews, III. Loops and verses, IV. A final shaking
“We invited Pekka to unleash his imagination and this is the result.” Richard Tognetti
From Classical to Folk
Inspirational classical music mastermind Pekka Kuusisto and the Australian Chamber Orchestra are joined by American modern folk hero Sam Amidon in Murder & Redemption, a stunning concert experience that takes the listener on a vivid journey from darkness into light.
Experience the world premiere of this exceptional collaboration between Pekka, Sam and “one of the greatest chamber orchestras in the world” (The Guardian, UK) as they perform folk masterpieces re-imagined by indie-classical composer Nico Muhly and Amidon himself, interwoven with thematically-resonant classical works by Janáček, John Adams and more.
This innovative opening to the ACO’s 2017 concert season has it all: sex, murder, transformation, mercy. Janáček’s Kreutzer Sonata is based on Tolstoy’s novella, a scandalous tale re-imagined in a concert format by Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto, “a classical performer who genuinely connects what goes on inside the concert hall with the world outside – a rare and important performer for our times.” (The Guardian, UK).
Amidon, a hit with Australian festival audiences and whose interpretations of American folksongs have been described as “surreal”, “magical” and “quietly psychedelic”, makes his ACO debut.
To view lyrics from Sam Amidon's music, please click here.
