This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 Season. View the full program here.
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Gershwin & Shostakovich
Announcement
Australian Chamber Orchestra 2025 Season Tickets are
Concert Hall, QPAC
18 Aug 2025, 7pm
$59 - $167
A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
2 hours
(including interval, subject to change without notice)
Gershwin & Shostakovich
A celebration of the power of music featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 with superstar pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk
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 Australian Chamber Orchestra (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, the ACO 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.
Program
George Gershwin (arr. piano, trumpet and strings) Rhapsody in Blue
Dmitri Shostakovich (arr. Rudolf Barshai) Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op.11 0a “Dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascism and war”
Valentin Silvestrov A Moment of Memory (World Premiere) ^
Claude Vivier Zipangu
Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op.35
^Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Artists
Richard Tognetti
Director and Violin
Alexander Gavrylyuk
Piano
David Elton
Trumpet
Australian Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
About ACO
The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on an adventure to create truly transformative experiences.
Important Information
Accessibility at QPAC
For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility .
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Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra
