Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
Heartfelt and human
The iconic blast of the horns at the beginning of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony is the first of many power-packed moments in this program of dramatic contrasts.
Duration
The concert will end at approximately 9pm. Latecomers might be admitted during a suitable break in the performance and will be guided to first available seats.
Pre-Concert
Join us for the pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the performance in the Northern Foyer, by Hugh Robertson, including interviews with Alban Gerhardt and Liza Lim.
Concert Guide
Behind every great piece is a great story. Have a read through the concert guide to get all the details.
Pre-Concert Talk Preview
Get up to speed ahead of this weekend's concert with this quick introduction from our Editorial Manager, Hugh Robertson. Join Hugh for an extended talk at 6.15pm in the Northern Foyer prior to each performance, where he will be joined by cellist Alban Gerhardt and composer Liza Lim.
Here, Tchaikovsky’s riveting opening is followed by a tender, elegiac slow movement; the lively string-playing in the sparkling third movement is followed by a triumphant finale.
This symphony was a turning point for Tchaikovsky’s writing, combining Western musical styles with Russian fables and storytelling. This is a high point of Romanticism, with the breadth of human experience in glorious evidence. Conductor Pietari Inkinen draws out all the passion and colour of this immortal work.
For Prokofiev’s Sinfonia Concertante, the Sydney Symphony welcomes the return of soloist Alban Gerhardt. A superstar cellist at the peak of his powers, Gerhardt extracts every moment of expressive richness from this piece, revelling in its phenomenal range that moves from resonant bass notes to melodies that soar high above the orchestra. Not just a brilliant virtuoso, Gerhardt is unbelievably charismatic, making deep and intimate connections with audiences everywhere he goes. You’ll understand why he is regarded as one of the world’s musical greats.
Program
LIZA LIM Salutation to the Shells
50 Fanfares Commission
PROKOFIEV Sinfonia Concertante
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No.4
Liza Lim's Salutation to the Shells was made possible through the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's 50 Fanfares Project, and was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with new works funding provided by the New South Wales Government through Create NSW.
Artists
PIETARI INKINEN conductor
ALBAN GERHARDT cello
Please note
These performances were originally advertised as being conducted by Simone Young, who will now be appearing at the 2024 Bayreuth Festival. We are grateful to Pietari Inkinen, Chief Conductor of the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie, for making a very welcome return to Sydney to lead these performances.
Series Presenting Partner
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