QPAC

We pay our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestors of this land, their spirits and their legacy. The foundations laid by these ancestors give strength, inspiration and courage to current and future generations, both First Nations and non-First Nations peoples, towards creating a better Queensland.

Australian Chamber Orchestra 2025 Season Tickets are now available to purchase.

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$59 - $167 *

* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.

2 hours

including interval, subject to change without notice

A celebration of the power of music featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No.1 with superstar pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk

Music is a powerful defence against darkness. Throughout history, composers have responded to adversity time and time again by creating music full of hope.

Richard Tognetti directs this profound program that features Ukrainian-born, internationally renowned pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk making his Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) debut in Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Shostakovich’s witty, irreverent Piano Concerto No. 1 with David Elton on trumpet.

Gershwin’s much-loved Rhapsody in Blue is a life-affirming explosion of jazz and joy, an exultant celebration of difference and dynamism. It’s a stark contrast to Shostakovich’s intense and emotional Chamber Symphony, dedicated to the victims of fascism and oppression. It tells a story of fear and melancholy but never loses hope.

In response, the ACO have commissioned a new work from Ukrainian composer Valentin Silvestrov, known for his lyrical, introspective and consoling style which he shares with his friend Arvo Pärt. This is a special piece, which the composer wrote for the ACO while sheltering from war after escaping his native Kyiv.

This is music that stands with victims of injustice. It lights the darkness and celebrates human ingenuity and courage.

This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 Season. View the full program here.

Program

George Gershwin (arr. piano, trumpet and strings) Rhapsody in Blue
Dmitri Shostakovich (arr. Rudolf Barshai) Chamber Symphony in C minor, Op.11 0a “Dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascism and war”
Valentin Silvestrov A Moment of Memory (World Premiere) ^
Claude Vivier Zipangu
Dmitri Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.1 in C minor, Op.35
^Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Listen to a sneak peek of the program on Spotify below!

About ACO

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on an adventure to create truly transformative experiences.

This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 Season. View the full program here.

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

The Concert Hall access guide [PDF, 5MB] provides information on what you can expect while visiting QPAC.

QTIX is our official ticketing service with selected packages sold through authorised resellers only. Read more about purchasing tickets online.

Concession

Includes Veterans’ Affairs pensioners, and Centrelink-issued Pensions and Commonwealth Healthcare cardholders. Seniors Cards are not eligible for concession prices.