Barber & Prokofiev - James Ehnes performs the Barber Violin Concerto

Setting the stage for the 2025 Maestro Season, Barber & Prokofiev offers up three daring works, each different and powerful. You know you’re in for a ride when there’s a work titled Speed in the program. This pulse-racing music from Matthew Hindson was composed in the ‘90s, reflecting the fast-paced modern world. If you think life was wild back then, imagine how you will connect with Speed today. It’s the perfect soundtrack to your 21st-Century brain, brought to life by one of Australia’s most distinguished composers. Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto will draw you back to earth – that is, until you’re transported by the skills of Canadian soloist James Ehnes. Conductor Jessica Cottis will then lead our world-class Orchestra through a mighty performance of Prokofiev’s 5th Symphony. Written in the1940s, it still holds up as a celebration of human strength and spirit – qualities everyone may all find within themselves.