Two accomplished young Australian pianists take on an ambitious and contrasting program of solo works. Two Beethoven piano sonatas – No. 17 in D minor (played by Bernice Chua) and No. 30 in E major (Joshua Han) – might be here to give comfort to traditionalists, but it is the range across Bartók, Scriabin, Debussy and Prokofiev that gives this recital its special drama and contrast.

Bernice Chua performs the first half of the program, testing the harmonic range and stamina of Wesley’s Yamaha baby grand piano. Beginning with Beethoven, she eases into the Largo confidently, with the right amount of poise and drama.

In the Adagio, it feels as though there is not enough space in the recital room for the notes to sound fully, and there is the occasional distracting vibration from inside the soundboard. Chua leans into the flattened notes of the repeating passages, creating a moody atmosphere. The familiar Allegretto movement is technically flawless, and Chua is a pleasure to watch: her face expressive, her hands poised.

Joshua Han and Bernice Chua: Beethoven and Beyond. Photo © Dalice Trost

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