Sydney – Monday 20 June, 2022. The Sydney Opera House today announced the second part of the popular Utzon Music program for 2022. From July to October, the much-loved chamber music program will feature some of the world’s boldest and most innovative classical ensembles and soloists, up-close and personal in the intimate Utzon Room – the only performance space designed entirely by Opera House architect Jørn Utzon.
Part 2 of this inspiring program features the inimitable ACO Principal Violin Helena Rathbone and friends for a timeless repertoire that heroes the piano quartet; dazzling Australian lyric coloratura soprano Alexandra Flood, joined in recital by concert pianist Konstantin Shamray; Grammy Award-nominated Iraqi-American oud musician Rahim AlHaj performing with percussion and string quintet; and American pianist Jonathan Biss performing Berg, Schumann and Schubert in a solo recital.
“Part 2 of Utzon Music 2022 continues to build a legacy of sublime chamber music moments at the Sydney Opera House. Now with international artists returning to our shores, Part 2 will hero our finest Australian musicians alongside the superb classical artists from across the globe.
“It’s hard to pick a favourite; from the highly anticipated performance of Helena Rathbone and Friends to the powerful solo recital by American pianist Jonathan Biss, each installation will be dynamic and unmissable. I can’t wait to welcome these artists – and our audience – back into the Utzon Room for a spectacular end to 2022,” said Utzon Music series curator Casey Green.
UTZON MUSIC 2022 PART 2: JULY – OCTOBER PROGRAM
Helena Rathbone and Friends
Sunday 24 July 2022, 3:00pm
In the ultimate meeting of musical minds, Principal Violin of the Australian Chamber Orchestra Helena Rathbone is joined by present and former colleagues, Australian Chamber Orchestra’s Principal Cello Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Viola Christopher Moore, and Melbourne-based pianist Stefan Cassomenos to perform a spectacular program that champions piano quartets by Fauré and Brahms, paired with the iridescent Romances for Violin and Piano by Clara Schumann.
Alexandra Flood and Konstantin Shamray
Saturday 20 August 2022, 3:00pm
The charismatic Australian lyric coloratura soprano Alexandra Flood and commanding concert pianist Konstantin Shamray join forces for a romantic and powerful repertoire featuring works by Rachmaninoff, Schubert and more.
Letters from Iraq: Rahim AlHaj
Sunday 23 October 2022, 3:00pm & 6:00pm
The Grammy Award-nominated composer and oud virtuoso Rahim AlHaj leads a percussion and string quintet ensemble in this intensely intimate and evocative performance of his own compositions. With a deep love for the people of his native Iraq, AlHaj’s Letters from Iraq is an homage to the heartbreak, loss, and day-to-day journeys of so many Iraqi citizens. Born in Baghdad, Iraq, AlHaj began playing the oud at age nine and is now considered to be one of the finest oud musicians in the world.
Jonathan Biss
Sunday 30 October 2022, 3:00pm
World-class concert pianist and curator Jonathan Biss makes his Utzon Room debut, performing a triumphant program of Berg, Schumann and Schubert. Biss has performed with major orchestras across the world including with the Los Angeles and New York philharmonics, the London Symphony Orchestra, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig and many more. Beyond the stage, Biss has developed a growing legacy as a deep thinker, lecturer and avid writer, known for his immersive focus on single composers’ work.
SEASON DETAILS
WHAT: Utzon Music 2022: July – October
WHEN: July – October 2022
WHERE: Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
PRICING: Various prices. From $75 + booking fee
ONSALES:
- ‘Insiders’: Tuesday 21 June, 9am
- ‘What’s On’: Wednesday 22 June, 9am
- General public: Friday 24 June, 9am
