Chopin & the Mendelssohns

"I cannot praise Polina Leschenko too highly for her astonishingly fine performance of Chopin's Piano Concerto No 1. From first note to last, it was clear we were in the presence of a master."

The West Australian

Polina Leschenko’s deep affinity with Chopin is a rare gift; so too is her remarkable rapport with Richard Tognetti and the ACO.

Polina makes a long-awaited return to the Orchestra with one of the most beloved Romantic works for piano and orchestra, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2. The second movement has the exquisite beauty of his later nocturnes and was inspired by unrequited love.

Chopin’s close friend Felix Mendelssohn brings Polina and Richard together in a Double Concerto abundant in individual displays of dazzling bravura from both soloists. This exceptional program closes with the energy and inventiveness of Fanny Mendelssohn’s string quartet, arranged by Richard Tognetti.

Brilliant music-making, deep emotions and profound connections take 2023 out on a high.

• Program

  Frédéric Chopin

  (arr. strings) Piano Concerto No.2 in F minor, Op.21

  Fanny Mendelssohn

  (arr. strings) String Quartet in E-flat major

  Felix Mendelssohn

  Concerto for Violin and Piano in D minor

• Artists

  Richard Tognetti AO

  Director & Violin

  Polina Leschenko

  Piano

  Australian Chamber Orchestra