Expect exotic colours from Bartók and Rachmaninov as the West Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) continues the exceptionally high standard set so far this year with this exhilarating fifth concert in the Masters Series on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 August 2018.
Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 always causes great excitement whenever it is programmed by WASO. Beloved by audiences worldwide, it was immortalised in the film Shine, starring Geoffrey Rush as the prodigiously-talented Australian pianist, David Helfgott. This concert will feature French virtuoso pianist, Cedric Tiberghien, who is known for his versatility as well as his fearlessness in interpreting the demands of the most challenging works.
The second half of the program is dedicated to Bartók. The Romanian-born maestro maintained an enduring fascination for Hungarian and Slovak folk music from the earliest parts of his career and often re-worked the folk songs he collected for the piano. His Dance Suite, written to mark the 50th anniversary of the unification of the Hungarian cities of Buda and Pest, was heavily influenced by his forays into the folk genre.
The evening concludes with the composer’s Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin. Originally written as a one-act ballet, the work caused such a sensation with its saucy and suggestive themes that it was banned in Germany where it was first performed.
Bartók subsequently created this concert suite in an effort to ensure that The Miraculous Mandarin wasn’t confined to history. Today, it is recognised one of the twentieth-century’s most dazzling scores, a dangerously seductive portrayal of lust and violence – dramatic, mysterious and sinister.
It’s been more than ten years since either of these Bartók works has been presented by WASO and this concert marks their welcome return to the program. Coupled with the Rachmaninov and Cédric Tiberghien at the piano, this concert, conducted by Asher Fisch, promises to be one of the highlights of the 2018 Season.
Cédric Tiberghien is a French pianist who has established a truly international career. He has been particularly applauded for his versatility, as demonstrated by his wide-ranging repertoire, interesting programming, an openness to explore innovative concert formats and his dynamic chamber music partnerships.
Cedric Tiberghien plays Rachmaninov 3
Perth Concert Hall, St Georges Terrace, Perth
Performances: 24 & 25 August 2018
Bookings: www.waso.com.au
The Rachmaninov No.3 and Bartók’s Dance Suite will also be presented as part of the WASO Morning Symphony Series on Thursday 23 August at 11.00am. For more information, visit: www.waso.com.au for details.
Image: Cedric Tiberghien – photo by Benjamin Ealovega