National Capital Orchestra presents

Rach & Rumsey

Hear the world premiere of Michael Dooley’s Piano Concerto no. 1 performed by acclaimed pianist Andrew Rumsey. The lyrical touches of Dooley’s concerto are testament to his place as one of Australia’s finest composers. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the inaugural performance of this masterpiece, on a magnificent 9ft grand piano, courtesy of Kawai Australia, after a pre-concert talk with the composer commencing at 2:15pm.

Rumsey makes a very welcome return performing with the National Capital Orchestra, after his last NCO performance in 2015. He has continued to be praised as one of Australia’s greatest concert pianists, having made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2017 as part of a USA/Canada tour promoting Australian music.

Following this exciting world premiere by an incomparable soloist, you will delight in Rachmaninov’s romantic Symphony No. 2. One of the most popular late romantic symphonies, this music juggles an intensely passionate character with the light-heartedness of ballet – a truly pioneering piece that is often acclaimed as one of the greatest symphonies composed last century.

Conducted by Musical Director Leonard Weiss, you won’t want to miss this highlight of the National Capital Orchestra’s 2019 Concert Series!

Andrew Rumsey is a classical pianist, teacher, accompanist and chamber musician. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2017, as part of a milestone USA/Canada tour to promote Australian music. He is a Masters graduate of the Australian National University School of Music. During his time at the university, he was a prize-winner in the Margaret Smiles Accompaniment Competition and the School of Music Chamber Music Competition. He was awarded the Imad Nassir Piano Performance Prize, the Dennis Griffin National Masters Piano Scholarship and was made a member of the Golden Key International Honours Society. In 2010, Andrew performed at the Australian Pavilion at the World Trade Expo in Shanghai as part of the ‘Rising Stars’ program.

Michael Dooley is an Australian born pianist, composer, song writer and producer. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium, his compositions have been performed across Australia and internationally. Michael is an active jazz pianist and piano teacher in Canberra.

Pre-concert talk at 2.15pm for approximately 15 minutes.

Performance commences at 3pm

RUNNING TIME: 2 hours approximately
INTERVAL: 20 min