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Chopin & the Mendelssohns

Chopin & the Mendelssohns

Pianist Polina Leschenko joins the ACO for a program full of brilliant music-making, deep emotions and profound connections.
Chopin & the Mendelssohns
9 - 22 November 2023

 

Touring to Newcastle, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

 

"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 Hensel’s string quartet, arranged by Richard Tognetti.

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

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Pre-concert Talks

PROGRAM

Frédéric Chopin (arr. piano & strings) Piano Concerto No.2 in F minor, Op.21
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (arr. strings) String Quartet in E-flat major
Felix Mendelssohn Concerto for Violin and Piano in D minor

 

LISTEN TO OUR PREVIEW PLAYLIST

CONCERT duration
Approx. 2 hours, including interval
Playlist by the ACO
Preview playlist
PRE-CONCERT TALK TIMES

Thu 9 Nov, 6:45pm


Sat 11 Nov, 6:15pm


Tue 14 Nov, 7:15pm


Wed 15 Nov, 6:15pm


Sun 12 Nov, 1:15pm


Mon 13 Nov, 6:15pm


Sat 18 Nov, 7:15pm


Sun 19 Nov, 1:45pm


Mon 20 Nov, 6:45pm


Tue 21 Nov, 6:45pm


Tue 21 Nov, 6:45pm


ARTISTS

ACO Artistic Director Richard Tognetti

Richard Tognetti AO

Director & Violin

Richard Tognetti is Artistic Director and Lead Violin of the ACO. He has established an international reputation for his compelling performances and artistic individualism.

Richard has appeared as director or soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras. He was Artistic Director of Slovenia’s Festival Maribor from 2008 to 2015 and the first Artist-in-Residence at the Barbican Centre’s Milton Court in 2016. In addition, he has curated and co-composed film scores including the ACO’s Mountain.

Read Full Bio

Polina Leschenko

Polina Leschenko

Piano

Protégé of the great Martha Argerich, Russian pianist Polina Leschenko made her solo debut with the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra in St Petersburg at the age of eight. She has since performed as a soloist with leading orchestras around the world and regularly collaborates with artists including Patricia Kopatchinskaja, Julia Fischer and the ACO’s own Richard Tognetti.
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Australian Chamber Orchestra

The Australian Chamber Orchestra travels a remarkable road. Making waves across Australia and around the world for its explosive performances and brave interpretations, the ACO embraces celebrated classics alongside new commissions, and adventurous cross-artform collaborations.
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