Canberra Reviews

Left - ACO Artistic Director and Lead Violin. Photo - Paul Henderson-Kelly

A previous review in the UK’s Daily Telegraph compared the Australian Chamber Orchestra to ‘angels.’ This may sound like typical reviewer hyperbole, but there is something almost superhuman about these musicians. In Euphoric, the ACO’s final touring show for 2008, the orchestra displayed seemingly effortless precision from the very first bar.

Led by artistic director and lead violinist Richard Tognetti, the ACO musicians are so attuned to each other that the orchestra functions much like a single instrument. Yet despite their undeniable musical skill, it would be an injustice to focus only on the technical abilities of the ACO. What makes these musicians extraordinary is a true appreciation for and enjoyment of the music they play. Euphoric wasn’t just about the practical brilliance necessary to play classical music, but also the joy of classical music itself.

The choice of music for this performance reflected various intriguing links between the composers’ intentions and interests, spanning three distinct time periods. The program was arranged in reverse chronological order, beginning with Prokofiev’s Symphony No.1 in D, Op.25 ‘Classical’ followed by Brahms’ Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op.102 and finishing with Beethoven’s Symphony No.8 in F, Op.93. Each piece created an intensity of emotion, although this emotion was not limited to euphoria alone. Determination, passion, reflection and gracefulness could all be heard within these beautiful musical choices.

The Llewellyn Hall audience barely shifted in their seats until the end of each piece, when they erupted into appreciative applause. The ACO responded with their enthusiastic playing, Tognetti and cellist Timo-Veikko Valve even launching into a quick duet before the interval. This relaxed, intimate atmosphere meant the orchestra created a connection with their audience that added to the emotional force of their performance.

Once the official program was over, we were treated to not one but two encores. The first was Tchaikovsky’s well-loved Waltz of the Flowers, which Tognetti cheekily introduced as an enticement to future season subscriptions despite looming economic uncertainty. After this uplifting interlude, the evening ended on a sombre note with a quiet, delicate piece dedicated to the students of the Australian National Academy of Music, which is currently facing the prospect of closing its doors at the end of the year. Euphoric was a welcome reminder of just how wonderful classical music can be, and that efforts to create and perfect it should always be encouraged.


Australian Chamber Orchestra presents
Euphoric

Richard Tognetti Artistic Director and Lead Violin
Timo-Veikko Valve Principal Cello

Program
Prokofiev Classical Symphony
Brahms Double Concerto for Violin and Cello
Beethoven Symphony No.8

TOUR DATES

QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane Mon 3 Nov 8pm | Bookings 136 246
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul, Wollongong Wed 5 Nov 7.30pm | Bookings 1800 444 444
Newcastle City Hall Thu 6 Nov 7.30pm | Bookings 1800 444 444
Llewellyn Hall, Canberra Sat 8 Nov 8pm | Bookings 1800 444 444
The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Sun 9 Nov 2.30pm | Bookings 1300 136 166
The Arts Centre, Hamer Hall, Melbourne Mon 10 Nov 8pm | Bookings 1300 136 166
Adelaide Town Hall Tue 11 Nov 8pm | Bookings 1800 444 444
Perth Concert Hall Wed 12 Nov 8pm | Bookings 1800 444 444
City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney Sat 15 Nov 8pm | Bookings 02 8256 2222
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Sun 16 Nov 2.30pm | Bookings 02 9250 7777
City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney Tue 18 Nov 8pm | Bookings 02 8256 2222
City Recital Hall Angel Place, Sydney Wed 19 Nov 7pm | Bookings 02 8256 2222

Visit: www.aco.com.au