The Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra performs Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, and Sculthorpe’s Kakadu. Conducted by KPO’s Artistic Director, Paul Terracini, the concert features star soloist Simon Tedeschi at the piano. This performance of three popular masterpieces is not to be missed.

Peter Sculthorpe’s Kakadu, one his most well-known works, was composed in 1988. It draws inspiration from the Kakadu National Park, and the composer’s lifelong interest in Aboriginal music.

Rhapsody in Blue was written by George Gershwin in 1924. This landmark work, which combines classical and jazz influences, was commissioned by bandleader, Paul Whiteman. In the first performance at Aeolian Hall, New York, Gershwin was the soloist. At the piano in this performance is one of Australia’s favourite Gershwin interpreters, Simon Tedeschi.

The symphonic suite, Scheherazade, was composed by Nikolai Rimsky Korsakov in 1888 and finds its inspiration in the paintings, ‘One Thousand and One Nights’, by Leon Bakst. Concerning his intentions, Rimsky Korsakov wrote: ”All I desire is for the hearer, if they like the piece, should carry away the impression that is beyond a doubt an oriental narrative of numerous fairy tale wonders of Arabian nights”.

The work, in four movements, is a prime example of late 19th century romanticism in music. Characterised by soaring melodies, rich harmonies, and brilliant orchestration, it amply fulfils the hopes of the composer.

This concert featuring three iconic works from the orchestral repertoire is not to be missed.

ARTISTS

Conductor: Paul Terracini
Soloist: Simon Tedeschi : Piano

PROGRAM

Sculthorpe: Kakadu
Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade