The Sydney Opera House embarks on a new season of Utzon Music in 2022. The intimate annual concert series offers the unique opportunity to hear superb solo artists and small ensembles up-close and personal in the exquisite Utzon Room – the only performance space designed entirely by Opera House architect Jørn Utzon. The 2022 season will be presented in two parts: Part 1 (March-June) and Part 2 (July-December).
Part 1 of this dynamic season includes chamber music powerhouses pianist Aura Go and cellist Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve performing Beethoven’s revolutionary sonatas across two concerts; critically acclaimed string ensemble ACO Collective with virtuosic early music conductor Erin Helyard playing music from the Italian Baroque; and Australia’s pre-eminent piano trio Seraphim Trio with violist Christopher Moore will debut a brand-new commission by Brett Dean and works by Pejačević and Mozart.
“The rediscovery of live chamber music marks, for many of us, a meaningful post-COVID milestone. More than ever, we are seeking those precious experiences of unmatched artistry and creative connection that give us such joy and purpose. Delivering in droves, this first instalment of Utzon Music 2022 features Australia’s finest classical musicians, and I’m so excited to see audiences return to the Utzon Room for these sensational experiences,” said Utzon Music series curator Casey Green.
UTZON MUSIC 2022 PART 1: MARCH – JUNE PROGRAM
Beethoven: Sonatas for Piano and Cello with Aura Go and Timo-Veikko Valve
Saturday 5 March 2022, 3:00pm & 6:00pm
Beethoven pioneered the repertoire for piano and cello and these five sonatas reflect the journey of his music and life. Performed over two concerts by acclaimed pianist, Aura Go and Australian Chamber Orchestra Principal Cello, Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve, the exceptional duo will explore and expertly unpack these incredible works that reflect Beethoven’s unmatched creative power and process. Journey through the complete set, from the first sonata composed in 1796 when Beethoven was 25, to the last in the series composed when he was ailing and increasingly impacted by deafness.
The Italian Baroque: ACO Collective with Erin Helyard, Guest Director
Sunday 20 March 2022, 3:00pm
ACO Collective musicians re-group with acclaimed harpsichordist Erin Helyard to perform a dramatic program of works by Italian Baroque masters and the world premiere of Sydney-based composer Paul Stanhope’s Giving Ground, a modern reflection of Geminiani’s popular and virtuosic La Folia. This passionate program will transport audiences to late Renaissance Florence where some of the world’s most loved works today were first played.
Seraphim Trio with Christopher Moore
Sunday 12 June 2022, 3:00pm
Australia’s pre-eminent piano trio Seraphim Trio (pianist Anna Goldsworthy, violinist Helen Ayres and cellist Tim Nankervis) are joined by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Principal Viola Christopher Moore to unveil a new commission by Australian composer and viola player Brett Dean, alongside works by Pejačević and Mozart.
Featured image : A pic of the intimate Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House
