Meeting of a Century (Concert 2)

 Imagine the brilliance of  George Gershwin meeting the passion of Rachmaninoff. Witness the ultimate concerto marathon featuring these legendary composers.   Don’t miss this spectacular concert. We look forward to spending this night with you!

                                                                           Meeting of a Century: George Gershwin meets Rachmaninoff

                                                                                    (In Association with Steinway and Sons)                       Featuring Internationally Renowned Australia Pianists Dr. Daniel Le and Jack Cheng

George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue

Sergei Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3 in D Minor Op.30

I. Allegro ma non tanto

II. Intermezzo: Adagio

III. Finale: Alla Breve

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Performers:

Dr. Daniel Le has enjoyed an international career spanning four continents. Described with a deep sincerity in artistic expression and his inherent “bucolic lyricism”, he has represented the Australian pianistic landscape for over the last decade. In 2019, Daniel made his debut with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. After his debut performance with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 2015, he was immediately re-engaged for two consecutive seasons under the baton of Benjamin Northey, and then again with the Queensland Ballet and Symphony Orchestra as part of their “Strictly Gershwin” premier. Competition successes include prizes in the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, Australian National Piano Award, and Kerikeri International Piano Competition, and finalist in the Naumburg 2017 International Piano Competition.  Currently based in New York City, Dr. Daniel Le received Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at the Manhattan School of Music as the Ruby Fae Ellenger Overstreet Scholar.

Jack Cheng is an international concert pianist and a global Young Steinway Artist who has won First Prizes in various international competitions held in New York, Rome and Sydney. A distinguished graduate of the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York, Jack holds both a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Piano Performance, having been mentored by the legendary music educators Prof. Phillip Kawin and Prof. William Wolfram. Jack has performed on some of the most iconic stages across the globe, including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Town Hall, and Sydney Opera House. Since then he had worked with renowned pianists in lessons and masterclasses settings including, Marc Silverman, Alexander Korsantia, Ignat Solzhenitsyn, Matti Raekellio and Phillip Shovk. After two successful sold--out concerts at Steinway Gallery Sydney and Melbourne, Jack is happy to present both Beethoven and Rachmaninoff  concerti. Jack’s performances are nothing short of electrifying, and his flawless execution of even the most challenging pieces is truly breathtaking.

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About the Works:

The passion and beauty of Gershwin and Rachmaninoff's concerti has long been celebrated in concert halls worldwide.  Pre-eminent Australian pianists Daniel Le and Jack Cheng present two most well-known works in succession, playing for Gershwin Concerto and Rachmaninoff Concerto No.3 in two piano setting.

Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue" is a seminal composition that blends elements of classical music with jazz and blues. It features a distinctive and lively piano solo accompanied by a full orchestra, characterized by syncopated rhythms, improvisational elements, and rich, colorful orchestration. The piece is known for its dynamic contrasts, expressive melodies, and evocative portrayal of the energy and vibrancy of early 20th-century urban America. This year is also the 100th birthday for this monumental work.

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 3 is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding pieces in the entire piano concerto repertoire, with its complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and technical demands that make it a true test of any pianist's skill and artistry. Both works demonstrate incredible pianism, virtuosity and emotional depth and feature both pianists at their most daring yet intimate moments. In spirit of his anniversary, we are excited to be presenting these works in a chamber setting, and in celebrating the profound everlasting effect his works and life have had on modern pianism.