National Symphony Orchestra Ireland
Alexander Shelley, conductor
Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, piano

John Adams Short Ride in a Fast Machine
Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3
Stravinsky The Firebird

Three remarkable showpieces as ‘natural communicator, both on and off the podium’ (Daily Telegraph) and National Symphony Orchestra Ireland’s Principal Conductor Designate Alexander Shelley returns with John Adams’ exhilarating Short Ride in a Fast Machine, the dazzling virtuosity of Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto, and Stravinsky’s combustible, colour-saturated The Firebird.

John Adams’ vibrant Short Ride in a Fast Machine is a masterpiece of minimalism taken to the max: a white-knuckle orchestral exercise in perpetual motion with relentless pulsating rhythms, extreme dynamics and altogether breathlessly thrilling.

2024 Leeds International Piano Competition winner Jaeden Izik-Dzurko takes centre stage for Rachmaninov’s vivacious Piano Concerto No. 3 where pulse-quickening passion and heart-stopping virtuosity combine in one of the great Romantic concertos.

A work of blistering emotion and technical brilliance, it runs the emotional gamut from its haunting opening theme through lush harmonies, aching melancholia and sweeping melodies to thunderous climaxes that leaves one shakened and stirred.

A sensational breakthrough for Stravinsky, a landmark of classical music, and an always compelling experience, the scorching The Firebird fuses magical Russian folklore with blazing orchestral colours and excitable rhythmic energy to conjure an ever-changing kaleidoscope of moods and atmospheres.

Pre-concert Talk
Kevin Barry Recital Room, 6.15pm
We are delighted to be joined by NSOI Principal Conductor Designate Alexander Shelley ahead of his podium appearance this evening in conversation with Nigel Flegg, CEO of National Concert Hall.