Australian Youth Orchestra Join Forces With Russian Pianist Andrey Gugnin for Concerts in Sydney and Brisbane

The Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) is pleased to announce two exclusive concerts featuring 2016 Sydney International Piano Competition winner Andrey Gugnin alongside their flagship ensemble, in Sydney and Brisbane this July.

There is no mistaking the opening bars of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1 - it has been a favourite in concert halls around the globe for over a century. AYO with Gugnin will present a dazzlingly fresh performance of this beloved work, brimming with charming Russian folk melodies.

Conducted under the masterful baton of Courtney Lewis, the concert will open with one of Benjamin Britten's most powerful works, Sinfonia da requiem, followed by Rachmaninov's driving Symphonic Dances - a staple piece amongst traditional orchestral repertoire. In an unusual twist, the Orchestra will also feature a talented young saxophonist within its woodwind section.

An internationally renowned Russian pianist, Gugnin has performed as a recitalist, chamber music partner and soloist with orchestras in over 20 countries and has played in iconic venues such as the Louvre, Carnegie Hall, Moscow's Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and Vienna's Musikverein.

Aged up to 25-years-old, members of the AYO flagship ensemble are selected through a highly competitive annual audition process and represent the best young musical talent in the nation.

Australian Youth Orchestra CEO, Colin Cornish, said "This is a fantastic opportunity to see the country's best young talent as they present an exhilarating display of orchestral masterpieces. Combined with the fresh and dynamic approach of our two guest artists, this exciting performance will showcase the power and brilliance of a young symphony orchestra."

Australian Youth Orchestra with Andrey Gugnin - Sydney
When: 7:30pm on Saturday, 14th July
Location: Sydney Town Hall - 483 George Street, Sydney
Tickets: $25 to $54 from ayo2018.eventbrite.com.au
Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including interval)

Australian Youth Orchestra with Andrey Gugnin - Brisbane
When: 7:30pm on Monday, 16th July
Location: Queensland Performing Arts Centre - Cnr Grey and Melbourne Street, South Bank, QLD
Tickets: $25 to $54 from https://www.qpac.com.au/ or Box Office on 136 246
Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including interval)