This program’s title, Myths, stems from the introductory piece of the same name by Karol Szymanowski. Of course, violinist Sophie Rowell is herself a ‘legend’, making a remarkable contribution to classical music across Australia and overseas as a soloist, leading orchestral violinist and chamber musician. A former Concertmaster of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, she is Artistic Director of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and teaches at the Australian National Academy of Music.

Inspired by ancient Greek myths, Szymanowski’s work has three movements: The Fountain of Arethusa, Narcissus, and Dryads and Pan. Each has an impressionistic sensibility. In the first movement, Arethusa shape-shifts into a water fountain and Alpheus becomes a river goddess. Rowell and Raineri convincingly execute the evocative, rippling elements.

Sophie Rowell and Alex Raineri: Myths

Narcissus is based on the story of a young man who falls in love with his own reflection. Rowell and Raineri beautifully conjure a still, textural transparency. Dryads and Pan presents a dreamlike depiction of dancing forest nymphs, and the duo capture a shimmery, springing essence. Overall,...