Schubert’s Trout Quintet – Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Pianist and composer Stefan Cassomenos will present a short pre-concert talk commencing at 7pm, 30mins prior to the start of the performance. This talk is included in the price of admission, and – aside from purchasing a ticket – no registration is necessary.

Experience the beauty and majesty of Schubert’s epic Trout Quintet with world-class pianist Stefan Cassomenos and the core members of the MCO. Written during a summer in the Austrian countryside, the sunny and care-free buoyancy is heard throughout the work, with the centrepiece being the sublime theme and variations based on one of Schubert’s most popular songs that gave this Quintet its nickname. This is a virtuosic tour de force for all instrumentalists, one of those pieces that sweeps players and audiences away.

Music is a true inspirer, for audiences, players, and for the composers themselves. We celebrate that inspiration in a very exciting way by presenting the world premiere performances of Stefan’s reflection on the Trout Quintet. This is a rare opportunity to delve inside the world of the composer as a performer and the inspiration behind their work.

The first movement of Hummel’s fiery First Piano Quintet opens the concert, itself the inspiration for Schubert’s Quintet with this unusual combination of violin, viola, cello, double bass and piano. A student of Mozart and much loved by Beethoven, Hummel was one of the most dazzling pianists of his time. It is this energy that dances off the page, leading one to well understand how it inspired Schubert to write The Trout.

Featuring Stefan Cassomenos + Sophie Rowell + Emma Sullivan + Merrewyn Bramble + Blair Harris, members of the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra

Presented by Horsham Town Hall and the MCO

This project is supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria