Australian Youth Orchestra - Striking and Beautiful

Under the baton of Kerem Hasan, one of Britain’s most dynamic young conductors, our flagship takes you on an unforgettable evening of musical storytelling. Hasan, making his highly anticipated Australian debut, joins forces with the nation’s brightest young musicians.

Step into the whimsical world of John Adams’s The Chairman Dances. Imagine the opulence of a state banquet suddenly transformed as Madame Mao adorns the hall with paper lanterns and slips into a daring cheongsam. The orchestra springs to life, and Chairman Mao himself joins her in a foxtrot through a fantastical dreamscape where history meets the surreal. Adams’s minimalist rhythms and jazzy colours invite you to a lively, boundary-blurring dance.

Experience the magic of Elena Kats-Chernin’s Fantasie im Wintergarten, a violin concerto that intertwines the dazzling allure of the circus with a poignant tale of love and betrayal. Commissioned for the remarkable violinist Emily Sun, the piece draws inspiration from 1920s German silent cinema, guiding you through a rollercoaster of emotions—from melodic beauty and circus high jinks to nightmarish undertones. Sun’s violin becomes a voice, singing of romance, heartbreak, and the delicate interplay between light and shadow.

The evening concludes with Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, a monumental symphonic poem that journeys through a hero’s adversaries, companionship, and inner struggles. Revel in its compelling narrative, triumphant brass, and lush romantic textures. This Summer Season concert celebrates Australia’s best young musicians as they launch into an exciting year leading up to their long-anticipated international tour. Don’t miss this extraordinary event!