American violinist Gil Shaham returns with former Chief Conductor David Robertson to perform Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. The timpani feature prominently in this program, beginning with the opening taps of the concerto, which proved a striking gesture at its 1806 premiere. Later, in Carl Nielsen’s Fourth Symphony – the first Robertson conducted in Sydney more than 20 years ago – they’re back for an unforgettable timpani battle.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Gentle taps on the timpani set the stage for an extraordinary journey, vast and noble. It has remained the gold standard for 300 years, a monumental challenge for composers, orchestras and soloists to aspire to.

For the violinist, it’s not just a technical feat. This is music that reveals the depth of the artist behind the instrument. And in Gil Shaham we have a soloist equal to the task: his ‘sumptuous and precise’ tone (Chicago Tribune) and his command of line and detail makes the most of Beethoven’s extended passages and subtle turns.

For Shaham’s first visit to Sydney in more than a decade, he will be joined by our former Chief Conductor (and Shaham’s brother-in-law) David Robertson. Robertson shines a light on Carl Nielsen’s powerful Fourth Symphony, known as The Inextinguishable. The first symphony Robertson ever conducted in Sydney, more than 20 years ago, it is a work of extraordinary drive and drama, anchored by an unforgettable timpani battle.