Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

An intimate musical performance at Government House – the perfect Christmas gift for someone special Join us at Government House on Saturday 9 December to experience two exquisite works for violin, cello and piano. Hosted by Their Excellencies, General the Hon. David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia and Patron of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and Mrs Linda Hurley, this unique event is the perfect way to round out the year or, even better, would make a wonderful early Christmas gift for someone special. Choose to attend either the 1pm performance or a second intimate concert at 3:15pm in the elegant drawing room at Government House, with afternoon tea and refreshments provided. The entertainment will begin with Australian composer and pianist Elena Kats-Chernin's piano trio Calliope dreaming, which she wrote to mark the anniversary of Joseph Haydn’s death, using themes from Haydn’s Mourning Symphony after learning he wished for the slow movement to be played at his funeral. Despite this context, the ultimately delightful, lively character of Haydn’s work reminded Kats-Chernin of a calliope, an organ-like instrument often played at circuses or fairs, hence the piece’s title. The second half of the concert offers an exclusive preview of our 2024 season in Mendelssohn’s D minor piano trio. Mendelssohn’s contemporary, German composer, pianist and music critic Robert Schumann, declared that this piece confirmed Mendelssohn as “the Mozart of the 19th century” and would bring joy to generations to come. Virtuosic and emotive, this masterwork is a fitting conclusion to a charming, intimate program. The two fundraising concerts are made possible through the generosity of CSO supporter Joan Boston. All proceeds from these special live performances will go towards helping Canberra’s own orchestra create more concert programs and community music, as well as additional pathways for emerging musicians.

Featured non-Australian music: Felix Mendelssohn - Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 49

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on +61 2 6262 6772 or by email to tickets@cso.org.au

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• Performer Kristen Williams
• Performer Patrick Suthers
• Performer Scott Davie