Piano great Marc-André Hamelin’s momentous SSO debut; Runnicles pays fitting tribute to Shostakovich.

The SSO's season finale was always a given, says Chief Conductor Simone Young. The opener a flash of inspiration. And in between? All kinds of surprises.

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Shostakovich responded to the political world around him in his compositions. We look at why his music remains as vital and relevant as ever.

Big issues, huge voices, major talents ... September's Limelight casts a wide net over the Australian music and performing arts scene and hauls in a bumper catch.

Big issues, huge voices, major talents ... September's Limelight casts a wide net over the Australian music and performing arts scene and hauls in a bumper catch.

Runnicles’ round trip starts with a four-minute smile, takes us back to childhood and ends in a heroic struggle.

The ‘pianist’s pianist’ Stephen Hough sprinkles some rare Mendelssohn magic with a Brahms feast to follow.

A protégé of the late Richard Gill and of Simone Young, Carter takes on a role previously held by JS Bach, Franz Liszt and Richard Strauss.

Mahler’s child-like innocence and some highly perfumed Strauss make for a heady mix from the SSO.

Sir Donald Runnicles casts his painterly eye over some ravishing and rarely heard French treats.

Balm for the spirit in Easter Week, courtesy of conductor Sir Donald Runnicles, cellist Matthew Barley and composer John Tavener.