Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall

Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg

Last night at the Sydney Opera House, the audience was treated to an electrifying performance that truly embodied passion and power. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra, under the masterful baton of Asher Fisch, delivered a program that transported listeners through a spectrum of emotions – from ethereal beauty to exhilarating intensity.

The evening opened with Anatoly Liadov’s The Enchanted Lake, Op.62, a dreamlike prelude that set the stage for what was to come. The orchestra painted a shimmering, mystical landscape, its delicate textures gently washing over the audience. A perfect introduction to the night’s journey.

Then came the highlight of the concert – Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 4 in G minor, Op.40, performed by none other than Daniil Trifonov. This concerto, often overshadowed by Rachmaninov’s other works and historically met with mixed reviews, was given new life by Trifonov’s breathtaking interpretation. From the very first chord, he commanded the music with both precision and deep emotional expression. His playing was at once fluid and fiery, capturing both the elegance and turbulence within the piece. The audience responded with uncontainable enthusiasm – cheers of “Bravo!” and “Wow!” echoed through the hall after the second movement, and by the concerto’s triumphant close, a partial standing ovation erupted, a rare moment before the interval.

The second half brought us Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique, Op.14, a work that demands both technical brilliance and expressive depth. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra delivered just that. The sheer magnitude of sound, the sweeping melodies, and the feverish intensity of the finale left many in the audience visibly moved – some to tears, others covered in goosebumps. It was nothing short of magical.

The orchestra as a whole was phenomenal – cohesive, emotionally charged, and technically impeccable. Certain musicians stood out, their artistry adding distinct brilliance to the night. Concertmaster Andrew Haveron, violinists Lerida Delbridge and Fiona Ziegler, flutist Emma Sholl, and of course, conductor Asher Fisch, all contributed to the unforgettable energy of the evening.

This concert was not just a performance – it was an experience. A masterful display of artistry, emotion, and sheer musical brilliance. Daniil Trifonov’s Rachmaninov was revelatory, the orchestra was on fire, and the music lingered in the air long after the final note faded. A night to remember at the Sydney Opera House.