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  • Australian Chamber Orchestra Led by Violinist Richard Tognetti Performs Program of Vivaldi, Mozart, Haydn and Rameau in Baroque Variations Series Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Apr. 21, 2009
  • Pianist Paul Lewis Plays Mozart Concerto No. 12

    TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009, AT 8 PM

    The Los Angeles Philharmonic presents its final Baroque Variations series performance of the 2008/09 season, featuring the Australian Chamber Orchestra, one of Australia’s most dynamic and acclaimed musical ensembles, with director/violinist Richard Tognetti and pianist Paul Lewis on Tuesday, April 21, at 8 p.m. The program includes Vivaldi’s Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 11; Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K. 414; Haydn’s Symphony No. 44, “Mourning” and Rameau’s Suite from Dardanus.

    This performance is part of the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s nine-city tour of the United States, one of the most ambitious U.S. tours ever undertaken by the group. Under Richard Tognetti’s inspiring leadership, the ACO has performed as a flexible and versatile “ensemble of soloists” on modern and period instruments, as a small chamber group, a small symphony orchestra, and an electro-acoustic collective. In a nod to past traditions, only the cellists are seated – the resulting sense of energy and individuality is one of the most commented-upon elements of an ACO concert experience. Australian musician Richard Tognetti, “one of the most characterful, incisive and impassioned violinists to be heard today” (Telegraph), is considered a National Living Treasure in Australia.

    Paul Lewis is established as one of the most sought-after artists of his generation, appearing regularly in recital, chamber music, and as a concerto soloist at the world's major musical venues and festivals. His highly acclaimed and award-winning Schubert Piano Sonata series has led to the planning of complete cycles of the Beethoven Piano Sonatas at venues throughout the UK, Europe and in North America over the next two seasons, while recording all the sonatas for Harmonia Mundi.

    Founded in 1975, the AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA is a product of the country’s vibrant, adventurous and inquiring spirit. Under the visionary leadership of violinist Richard Tognetti, who celebrates his 20th year with the ensemble this season, these brilliant virtuosos are engaged with music at the highest level: seventeen minds “thinking and breathing as one” (The Times). In performances around Australia, around the world and on many recordings, the ACO performs repertoire spanning four centuries with “unfailing virtuosity and unanimity of spirit” (New York Times) unmatched by other ensembles. The ACO’s unique artistic style encompasses not only the masterworks of the classical repertoire, but innovative cross-artform projects and a vigorous commissioning program. Tognetti was appointed Artistic Director and Lead Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra in 1989. Tognetti is a noted soloist, composer, arranger, educator and an accomplished surfer (his documentary about the connections between music and surfing Musica Surfica was recently awarded best feature at the New York Surf Film Festival and was honored at the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival). While maintaining the highest artistic standards, Richard Tognetti has broadened the audience for classical music through collaborations with many non-classical entertainers like Barry Humphries (Dame Edna Everage) and Neil Finn (from Crowded House). For the 2003 film Master and Commander, Tognetti co-composed the soundtrack, performed as a soloist on the best-selling recording, and also taught Russell Crowe to play the violin for the film. Richard Tognetti plays a Guarneri violin worth more than $10 million that was lent to him by an anonymous donor.

    The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music — Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

    EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

    TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009, AT 8 PM


    WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

    111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles



    Baroque Variations



    AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

    RICHARD TOGNETTI, Artistic Director, Lead Violin

    PAUL LEWIS, piano



    VIVALDI Concerto Grosso, Opus 3, No. 11

    MOZART Piano Concerto No. 12 in A, K. 414

    HAYDN Symphony No. 44, “Mourning”

    RAMEAU Suite from Dardanus

    Tickets ($36 - $92) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($17) will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Recital, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

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  • Contact:

    Sophie Jefferies, sjefferies@laphil.org, 213.972.3422; Lisa Bellamore, lbellamore@laphil.org, 213.972.3689; Photos: 213.972.3034