British violinist Daniel Hope’s career took off in 2002 when he joined the Beaux Arts Trio. Now, Hope is an internationally acclaimed performer and recording artist and has commissioned and premiered more than 30 works. On his second Australian tour, he is accompanied by emerging German pianist Marie-Sophie Hauzel.

The duo is presenting music primarily from ‘La Belle Époque’ (1871-1914), featuring major works by Elgar and Dvořák, and salon pieces by Gabriel Fauré, Felix Mendelssohn and George Enescu.

Danile Hope. Portrait © Nicolas Zonvi

The program opens – rather abruptly, it seems – with Enescu’s Impromptu concertant; but as the music progresses, Hope and Hauzel combine to create an expressive performance of this rarely performed work. Fauré’s Andante offers a contrasting style, highlighting Hope’s ability to sustain a long lyrical line and Hauzel’s empathetic accompaniment.

Dvořák wrote his four-movement Sonatina – his 100th work – in America. Like his ‘New World’ Symphony, it is vibrant, tender, melancholic and jubilant, and much more. This duo extracts every ounce of energy and sensitivity from a complex score, making the performance suspenseful and captivating.

The second...