Illuminate | Bruch, Britten & Tchaikovsky

In describing his own Les Illuminations, Benjamin Britten wrote, "The word ‘Illuminations’ suggests both the vision of a mystic and a brightly coloured picture". It is this sense of a technicolour canvas that the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra invoke in Illuminate, their first concert of 2021, featuring pieces by Britten, Tchaikovsky and Bruch.

Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence begins in the tranquil air of the Mediterranean before taking us directly to the Motherland, its fourth and final movement intensely Russian and Romantic in its sound. Max Bruch's Serenade for Strings after Swedish Melodies in C minor is a seldom-heard but beautiful example the life-long attraction to folk tunes and themes of which his Scottish Fantasy is the best-known (and most-performed) example. And Britten's work couples some of his most remarkable string writing with the words of French poet Arthur Rimbaud to create something evocative and fantastical.

Directed by concertmaster Rachael Beesley and featuring soprano Jacqueline Porter, Illuminate invites you to join the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra on a European musical journey from the comfort of the concert hall.

Sync to Calendar

Other concerts in Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra's 2021 season:

Evoke | Beethoven & Berwald, Thu 6 May 7pm
Emerge | Haydn, Mozart & Mannheim, Fri 13 Aug 7pm 

Visitor Safety Information

Audiences are seated in accordance with requirements currently set by NSW Health for City Recital Hall and capacity is capped at 75%. It is mandatory to bring and wear a mask while at the venue. 

As a COVID-19 tracing protocol, we will require all patrons who enter the venue to check-in via QR code through the Service NSW App at the entrance. All data will be stored securely and will be deleted after the mandatory 28 day period. 

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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:

• View our updated Terms & Conditions 
• Visit www.health.gov.au for the latest advice and information about COVID-19
• Contact the Coronavirus Information Line 1800 020 080 for any health enquiries

Details correct at time of publication.

• Program

  Bruch

  Serenade for Strings after Swedish Melodies in C minor

  Britten

  Les Illuminations

  Tchaikovsky

  Souvenir de Florence, Op.70

• Artists

  Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra
  Rachael Beesley    Director 

  Jacqueline Porter   Soprano