The Keys to Passion: A Rachmaninoff Concerto Marathon

- featuring Internationally Renowned Australia Pianists Daniel Le and Jack Cheng

Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Op.43

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3 Op.30

I. Allegro ma non tanto

II. Intermezzo: Adagio

III. Finale: Alla Breve

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Performers:

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, Daniel is pursuing his Doctor of Music in Piano Performance at the Manhattan School of Music as the Ruby Fae Ellenger Overstreet Scholar.

Jack Cheng is an international concert pianist 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 Rachmaninoff Marathon one more time this year with a new Rachmaninoff concerto. 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 Rachmaninoff's concerti has long been celebrated in concert halls worldwide. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of his birth, pre-eminent Australian pianists Daniel Le and Jack Cheng present his two most well-known works in succession, playing the solo parts for Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Concerto no.3 respectively.

Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" is a virtuosic and emotionally charged composition that ingeniously weaves variations on Paganini's theme into a captivating and expressive musical tapestry.

Similarly, 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.

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Special Guest- Eason Zhuo

Eason Zhuo is a talented thirteen-year-old young musician. He started to learn piano at an age of five and is currently learning it with Laura Wang. Eason obtained an Associate in Music Diploma in 2021 and awarded second prize in the King's Peak International Music Competition in Autumn 2022.Eason has performed in many concerts, both at school and outside, and also enjoys playing in chamber groups. He has been in a piano duet, as well as in a string quartet and many orchestras. He is expecting to complete his LMusA later this year.

Pre-Event Program:
Reflets dans l'eau from Images Book I - Claude Debussy
Etude Op. 10 No. 4 in C# Minor No. 5 in Gb Major - Frederic Chopin
Piano Sonata in D Minor No. 17, Op. 31 No. 2 "The Tempest" - Ludwig van Beethoven
III. Allegretto
Cubana from Cuatre Piezas Espanogles - Manuel de Falla