Konstantin Shamray, ANAM Orchestra & Sophie Rowell

As a 15-year-old student nearing the end of his first year at the Vienna Conservatory, Gustav Mahler composed one movement of a piano quartet, a work that always gives the impression that something bigger is struggling to emerge. Following Mahler’s own tradition of enlarging certain chamber pieces, this program includes an orchestration of the quartet, made by the outstanding violinist Harry Ward: an ANAM alumnus and a Musica Viva FutureMaker.

Alfred Schnittke was keenly aware of his Soviet/German musical heritage, even as he stomped on it in heavy boots. Yet his piano concerto is a touching affirmation of his artistic roots, and his affection for Tchaikovsky makes the two Russians good bedfellows, the elder’s Serenade here prefaced by Estonian composer Mihkel Kerem’s Lamento, a work of searing beauty.

ANAM’s ensemble of wonderful young string players is directed with equal verve by the terrific Sophie Rowell, one of Australia’s most admired instrumentalists. They are joined onstage by Adelaide’s brilliant, Russian-trained Konstantin Shamray.

★★★★½ …. the future of Australia’s classical music is in safe hands ….a finely judged and memorable performance of Tchaikovsky’s crowd-pleaser, Serenade for Strings in C major, to put the seal on a concert from the top shelf

Limelight

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As of 5pm, 6 May 2021, facemasks are now mandatory in indoor settings, and within all spaces inside City Recital Hall. 

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Please do not attend this event if you are feeling unwell. If you have tickets and are no longer able to attend:

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Details correct at the time of publication.

• Program

  Kerem

  Lamento (2008)*

  Tchaikovsky

  Serenade for Strings, Op.48 (1880)

  Mahler

  Piano Quartet (1876) arr. Harry Ward**

  Schnittke

  Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra (1979)

  *Australian premiere performances.
  ** Arrangement commissioned by Musica Viva Australia.

  Sophie Rowell appears courtesy of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

   

• Artists

  Konstantin Shamray

  Piano

  Australian National Academy of Music Orchestra

  Sophie Rowell

  Director and Violin