Touring to Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Wollongong, Brisbane. Tickets from $59, or $35 for under 35s and $30 for students.
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.
Gershwin’s much-loved Rhapsody in Blue is a life-affirming explosion of jazz and joy, an exultant celebration of difference and dynamism. It’s a stark contrast to Shostakovich’s intense and emotional Chamber Symphony, dedicated to the victims of fascism and oppression. It tells a story of fear and melancholy but never loses hope.
In response, we have commissioned a new work from Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, known for his lyrical, introspective and consoling style which he shares with his friend Arvo Pärt. This is a special piece, which the composer wrote for the ACO while sheltering from war after escaping his native Kyiv.
This is music that stands with victims of injustice. It lights the darkness and celebrates human ingenuity and courage.
Download Program
Pre-Concert Talks
Dates & Availability
Sydney – City Recital Hall
Tue 5 Aug 8pm - Best Availability
Wed 6 Aug 7pm - Almost Sold Out
Newcastle City Hall
Thu 7 Aug 7.30pm - Almost Sold Out
Canberra – Llewellyn Hall
Sat 9 Aug 7.30pm - Selling Fast
Melbourne – Arts Centre Melbourne
Sun 10 Aug 2.30pm - Selling Fast
Mon 11 Aug 7.30pm - Best Availability
Adelaide Town Hall
Tue 12 Aug 7.30pm - Selling Fast
Perth - Winthrop Hall
Wed 13 Aug 7.30pm - Sold Out
Wollongong Town Hall
Sat 16 Aug 7.30pm - Selling Fast
Brisbane – QPAC Concert Hall
Mon 18 Aug 7pm - Selling Fast
