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 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.

Season 2026: Australian Chamber Orchestra

The Australian Chamber Orchestra 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.

Tickets

Single tickets on sale Friday 17 October 2025.

Want to book a Subscription? 

2026 Subscriptions are on sale now via the Australian Chamber Orchestra website.

Artists

Richard Tognetti Director & Violin
Dejan Lazić Piano
Australian Chamber Orchestra

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