Industries and cultural institutions have had to shut down in the wake of coronavirus. And that includes concert halls. But the Australian Chamber Orchestra wants to keep playing and inspiring music fans. So, they are hosting an extraordinary virtual performance this Sunday, April 19.
The Artistic Director and Lead Violin, Richard Tognetti, and Principal Violin Satu Vänskä were due to perform in New York this spring to help raise awareness and support for the Orchestra's 2021 US Tour. Sadly, they can no longer be here, and the world may now be grounded.
"We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to our audiences for the outpouring of support that we have received, particularly to those who have generously donated their tickets to these concerts back to the ACO," the ACO posted on Instagram. "In these difficult and uncertain times, music is more vital than ever, and so we remain committed to bringing it to you, through live-streamed performances, recordings, and more, throughout this period of concert hall closure."
The upcoming recital, performed from their seaside home in Sydney, was crafted to transport listeners to wherever they want to go. It is set to feature a repertoire spanning six centuries with works by Bach and Paganini. But the arrangement could change up to the last minute. Tognetti initially considered including a composition by Locatelli, but changed last minute. Although that's the magic of the famous Artistic Director; everything is very spontaneous.
"We want to reflect the quirkiness of the situation we're all in, with a perspective you'd never get in the concert hall," Tognetti told Departures.
The virtual concert is set to air, live at 6 p.m. EST time on Sunday, so the Orchestra is encouraging people to make an evening of it: dress up, pour yourself a glass of wine and imagine you are in a concert hall. So, throw on your nicest attire (if you opt for luxe loungewear we won't judge), grab a glass of wine, and enjoying a music-filled Sunday evening.
Interested in watching? The recital which will stream on Sunday here.
