Alexander Melnikov performsShostakovich

22 & 23 June 2024

In the Concert Hall

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Classical Music

The dazzling musical fireworks of Shostakovich's Festive Overture are pure entertainment, and the perfect way to open this program of triumphant, witty and brilliant virtuosity.

Orchestral fireworks

Pianist Alexander Melnikov brings his impressive energy to Shostakovich's First Piano Concerto. Principal Trumpet David Elton weaves a tender, sombre magic in its delightfully wistful passages.

But this is Shostakovich, so the story doesn't end there; he continues on a spellbinding journey, to a finale where strings soar and the trumpet returns for an amazing conclusion.

Loaded with themes of lust, valour and tragedy, Richard Strauss' energetic sound charms from the beginning. Strauss took rich tales as inspiration for his tone poems, masterfully extracting every ounce of colour from the orchestra to describe the escapades of his story-book heroes Don Juan and Till Eulenspiegel.

Every tale here is told with beauty and magnificence, presenting us with enthralling and very human portraits.

Presented by Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Programme

SHOSTAKOVICH 
Festive Overture
Piano Concerto No.1 
R STRAUSS
Don Juan
Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks

Artist information

Giordano Bellincampi conductor    
Alexander Melnikov piano 
David Elton trumpet 

Other information

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