Rediscover Live Chamber Music with Utzon Music

The Sydney Opera House embarks on a new season of Utzon Music in 2022. The intimate annual concert series offers the unique opportunity to hear superb solo artists and small ensembles up-close and personal in the exquisite Utzon Room – the only performance space designed entirely by Opera House architect Jørn Utzon. The 2022 season will be presented in two parts: Part 1 (March-June) and Part 2 (July-December).

Part 1 of this dynamic season includes chamber music powerhouses pianist Aura Go and cellist Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve performing Beethoven’s revolutionary sonatas across two concerts; critically acclaimed string ensemble ACO Collective with virtuosic early music conductor Erin Helyard playing music from the Italian Baroque; and Australia’s pre-eminent piano trio Seraphim Trio with violist Christopher Moore will debut a brand-new commission by Brett Dean and works by Pejačević and Mozart.

“The rediscovery of live chamber music marks, for many of us, a meaningful post-COVID milestone…Delivering in droves, this first instalment of Utzon Music 2022 features Australia’s finest classical musicians, and I’m so excited to see audiences return to the Utzon Room for these sensational experiences,” said Utzon Music series curator Casey Green.

Beethoven: Sonatas for Piano and Cello with Aura Go and Timo-Veikko Valve will take place on Saturday 5 March 2022 at 3:00pm & 6:00pm. Beethoven pioneered the repertoire for piano and cello and these five sonatas reflect the journey of his music and life. Performed over two concerts by acclaimed pianist, Aura Go and Australian Chamber Orchestra Principal Cello, Timo-Veikko ‘Tipi’ Valve, the exceptional duo will explore and expertly unpack these incredible works that reflect Beethoven’s unmatched creative power and process. Journey through the complete set, from the first sonata composed in 1796 when Beethoven was 25, to the last in the series composed when he was ailing and increasingly impacted by deafness.

Next, enjoy The Italian Baroque: ACO Collective with Erin Helyard, Guest Director on Sunday 20 March 2022 at 3:00pm. ACO Collective musicians re-group with acclaimed harpsichordist Erin Helyard to perform a dramatic program of works by Italian Baroque masters and the world premiere of Sydney-based composer Paul Stanhope’s Giving Ground, a modern reflection of Geminiani’s popular and virtuosic La Folia. This passionate program will transport audiences to late Renaissance Florence where some of the world’s most loved works today were first played.

Completing part 1 of Utzon’s 2022 season will be the Seraphim Trio with Christopher Moore on Sunday 12 June 2022 at 3:00pm. Australia’s pre-eminent piano trio Seraphim Trio (pianist Anna Goldsworthy, violinist Helen Ayres and cellist Tim Nankervis) are joined by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Principal Viola Christopher Moore to unveil a new commission by Australian composer and viola player Brett Dean, alongside works by Pejačević and Mozart.

Tickets begin at $75. Visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com for more information.