Australian Chamber Orchestra

Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody

Announcement

This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2026 Season. Tickets are also available through subscriptions on Australian Chamber Orchestra’s website

Concert Hall, QPAC


16 Feb 2026, 7pm
$59 - $175

A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.

Discounts Available

Concession, Student, Under 35, Groups

more info

2 hours

(including interval, subject to change without notice)

Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody

A musical revelation starring pianist Dejan Lazić, with a world premiere from John Luther Adams

When Rachmaninoff first performed his Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, it had the audience in raptures. The extraordinary pianist had written a showstopper, and audiences have loved its lush, romantic melodies for nearly 100 years. Now, the ever-adventurous pianist Dejan Lazić returns to the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) to play it, in a new arrangement for piano and strings.

In this joyful season opener directed by Richard Tognetti and featuring the singular talents of Lazić as soloist, the Australian Chamber Orchestra explores the power of music to take us to the edge of what is known … and beyond. Join the Australian Chamber Orchestra to explore where the lines between earth, sea and sky merge. There, possibility is infinite. 

John Luther Adams is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer whose music is a profound response to the natural world. In the world premiere of his expansive Horizon, you’ll explore the extremes of the Australian landscape. Born of a residency in Australia, Adams plays with space, sound and texture to immerse you in this special place. 

Raminta Šerkšnytė’s euphoric De Profundis plays with high and low extremes, in a piece full of energy and drama. Stravinsky’s balletic Concerto in D is sometimes ominous, sometimes graceful, and always impressive. 

Lazić describes playing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra as “coming home”. This latest collaboration between virtuosos – and old friends – is not to be missed.

Program

John Luther Adams Horizon^ (World Premiere) 
Igor Stravinsky Concerto in D “Basle”
Raminta Šerkšnytė De Profundis (Australian Premiere) 
Sergei Rachmaninoff (arr. piano, percussion and strings) Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43 
^Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra

About ACO

The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world. Led by their pioneering Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, the Orchestra is defined by its exceptional virtuosity and an irrepressible sense of adventure and curiosity.


Artists

Richard Tognetti

Director and Violin

Dejan Lazić

Piano

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra


Special Events

Pre-Concert Talk

Mon 16 Feb 2026, 6:15 PM

Important Information

Accessibility at QPAC

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through QPAC's Call Centre by calling 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here.

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra

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