Sydney Symphony Orchestra

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 from two extraordinary soloists, conducted by the exciting Giordano Bellincampi. Pianist Alexander Melnikov brings his impressive Russian 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. PROGRAM SHOSTAKOVICH Festive Overture Piano Concerto No.1 R STRAUSS Don Juan Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks ARTISTS GIORDANO BELLINCAMPI conductor ALEXANDER MELNIKOV piano DAVID ELTON trumpet