Three Russian Sonatas
Sep
22
2:30 PM14:30

Three Russian Sonatas

Alexander Scriabin, the visionary Russian composer and pianist, heard sounds in colour. In the spirit of Scriabin then, this recital program paints in shades of blue: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ‘deep violet’ C sharp minor Sonata blurs into Scriabin’s more enigmatic ‘lilac’ Sonata in G sharp minor, before metamorphosing into Nikolai Medtner’s ‘sky blue’ Sonata in E minor. Beyond its colourings, the concert offers a unique exploration of a Russian pianistic tradition, via the distinctive contributions of three composers who were also pianists. Performed chronologically, these three lesser-known sonatas offer rare and moving glimpses into the singular voices that Tchaikovsky, Scriabin and Medtner imagined for the piano – as well as the ways in which their works speak to and engage with one another.

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Rhapsody
Jul
27
7:00 PM19:00

Rhapsody

Borodin Polovtsian Dances
Rachmaninov Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini Op. 43
Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 In D Minor Op. 47

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.

Soloist Konstantin Shamray

Conductor Nicholas Milton

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Satu Vänskä and Konstantin Shamray
Jul
7
2:30 PM14:30

Satu Vänskä and Konstantin Shamray

From Siberia to Sibelius.

The program for this duo recital weaves together an intricate tapestry of bagatelles, preludes, dances and lullabies. The first half offers postcards from Eastern Europe, with music by Valentin Silvestrov (Ukraine), Dmitri Shostakovich (Russia), and Fryderyk Chopin (Poland). The second half celebrates Satu's Finnish roots with gorgeous vignettes by Aulis Sallinen and Jean Sibelius, before concluding with Beethoven's Eighth violin sonata.

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Satu Vänskä & Konstantin Shamray
Jun
28
6:00 PM18:00

Satu Vänskä & Konstantin Shamray

Explore the magic of Nordic mastery with two of Australia’s most in-demand musicians.

In this evening of mesmerising melodies, Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Satu Vänskä and modern piano maestro Konstantin Shamray unite for an exploration of the enchanting landscapes of Finland and beyond.

Often considered the successor to Jean Sibelius, this performance commences with Aulis Sallinen’s haunting Cadenza for Solo Violin before embarking into the mind of Sibelius himself with excerpts from piano and violin works from the latter half of the composer’s life.

Finally, a short trip across the Baltic Sea and the evening concludes in Germany with Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 in G for Piano and Violin. With sheer power and grace, this performance by two of Australia’s great musicians is an inspiring collaboration at its finest.

Concert One starts at 6 pm, Concert Two starts at 8 pm

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The Romantic Piano
Jun
9
3:00 PM15:00

The Romantic Piano

Konstantin Shamray performing three great romantic piano sonatas.

P. Tchaikovsky. Sonata, op. 80 posth. in c-sharp minor

A. Scriabin. Sonata no. 2, op. 19 in g-sharp minor

N. Medtner. Sonata, op. 25 no. 2 in e minor ‘Night wind’

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Schubert Grand Duo
Apr
5
1:10 PM13:10

Schubert Grand Duo

Our 2024 concert series commences with the sublime pairing of Anna Goldsworthy, Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, and Konstantin Shamray,  much-loved adjunct senior lecturer. In 1824 twenty-seven-year-old Schubert was present at the awe-inspiring premiere of Beethoven’s Ninth symphony in Vienna before returning to Zseliz that summer to work again for the Esterházy family as their music teacher. Whilst there he wrote this extended four movement work, his largest in the genre, in which Robert Schumann immediately sensed the powerful influence of Beethoven, labelling it a “piano version” of a symphony.’

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Brisbane Recital
Mar
17
3:00 PM15:00

Brisbane Recital

PROGRAM

J. S. Bach 6 inventions and 6 sinfonias
W. A. Mozart Variations in E flat major K.354 “Je suis Lindor”
F. Liszt – F. Busoni Fantasy on Themes from Mozart’s Figaro
C. Debussy Suite Bergamasque
O. Messiaen Prelude “Cloches d’angoisse et larmes d’adieu” (Bells of anguish and tears of farewell)   
M. Ravel La Valse 

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Nothing: Chamber Landscapes
Mar
8
7:30 PM19:30

Nothing: Chamber Landscapes

Concert series curated by Richard Tognetti AO

“The most trouble Richard Tognetti ever got into was for doing nothing.” The Guardian 

In 2010, during my time as Artistic Director of Slovenia’s Maribor Festival, plans to mount a lavish production of The Magic Flute were thwarted by financial issues. I had a mere three days to come up with an alternative. I called the administration with a proposal: “I know what to do… Nothing.” 

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Dancing with the birds
Mar
1
12:30 PM12:30

Dancing with the birds

Adelaide Festival presents a special event.Express journey in Australia, home to some of the world’s most ravishing landscapes and an incredible array of birdlife. The first half of this program takes inspiration from the birdsong and striking vistas of this country with works from Peter Sculthorpe, Nick Russoniello and Ross Edwards. These homegrown soundscapes are juxtaposed with Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, performed in the rarely heard version for two pianos.

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Midnight in Paris
Feb
28
7:00 PM19:00

Midnight in Paris

  • Melbourne Hebrew Congregation (Toorak Synagogue) (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The brilliant Konstantin Shamray will sweep you off your feet with the music of Paris by moonlight from Debussy's suite Bergamasque to Ravel's dazzling La Valse, no emotion unexplored, no heart unmoved. Join us for an unforgettable evening in Paris.

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