Australian Chamber Orchestra: Gershwin & Shostakovich

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.

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. Gavrylyuk makes his ACO debut with 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, in which the composer wrote 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.