Gershwin & Shostakovich

The Australian Chamber Orchestra is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on the adventure to create truly transformative experiences. 

A celebration of the power of music featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 with superstar pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk.

Music is a powerful defence against darkness. Throughout history, composers have responded to adversity time and time again by creating music full of hope.

Richard Tognetti directs this profound program that features Ukrainian-born, internationally renowned pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk making his ACO debut in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s witty, irreverent Piano Concerto No.1 with David Elton on trumpet.

Gershwin’s much-loved Rhapsody in Blue is a life-affirming explosion of jazz and joy, an exultant celebration of difference and dynamism. It’s a stark contrast to Shostakovich’s intense and emotional Chamber Symphony, dedicated to the victims of fascism and oppression. It tells a story of fear and melancholy but never loses hope. 

In response, the ACO have commissioned a new work from Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, known for his lyrical, introspective and consoling style which he shares with his friend Arvo Pärt. This is a special piece, which the composer wrote for the ACO while sheltering from war after escaping his native Kyiv. 

This is music that stands with victims of injustice. It lights the darkness and celebrates human ingenuity and courage.

• Program

  George Gershwin

  (arr. piano, trumpet and strings) Rhapsody in Blue

  Dmitri Shostakovich

  (arr. Rudolf Barshai) Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op.110a “Dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascism and war"

  Valentin Silvestrov

  A Moment of Memory (World Premiere)*

  Claude Vivier

  Zipangu

  Dmitri Shostakovich

  Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op.35

  *Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

• Artists

  Richard Tognetti 

  Director and Violin

  Alexander Gavrylyuk 

  Piano

  David Elton

  Trumpet

  Australian Chamber Orchestra