Following a recital in Adelaide on 26 October, French-British pianist Emmanuel Despax joins the Richard Bonynge Ensemble to explore themes of exile, memory and identity. From Chopin’s shimmering Berceuse to the Sonata No. 2 and a rare chamber arrangement of his Piano Concerto No. 1, this is the portrait of a composer caught between worlds – Polish at heart yet embedded within the Parisian elite. Despax promises to capture the composer’s Slavic soul, Italian operatic lyricism and Bach-inspired counterpoint.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Celebrate the haunting beauty of Frédéric Chopin’s music through the lens of exile, identity, and artistic longing.

Internationally renowned pianist Emmanuel Despax takes centre stage in this richly evocative program tracing Chopin’s emotional and musical journey as an émigré in 19th century Paris. Though he found fame and fortune in the City of Light, Chopin remained a man caught between worlds; Polish at heart, yet deeply embedded in the Parisian artistic elite.

Joined by Richard Bonynge Ensemble, Despax presents a deeply personal selection of Chopin’s most intimate works; from the shimmering Berceuse and graceful Barcarolle, to the powerful Sonata No. 2. The evening culminates in a rarely heard chamber arrangement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, reimagined for piano and strings, revealing new layers of vulnerability and poetic depth.