Grace conducted by Luke Dollman with Julian Smiles (cello) and Dimity Hall (violin)  Wednesday and Thursday     16 & 17 April 2008 Canberra Theatre        7:30pm  Meet the conductor at the free pre-concert talk 6:45pm

Prokofiev: Classical Symphony                                  Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations                                   Vaughan Williams:                        The Lark Ascending                                   Haydn:  Symphony No 104 “London”                                  plus a surprise gift performance!

GRACE celebrates different aspects of musical Classicism in a remarkable and varied program. Outstanding young Australian conductor Luke Dollman directs this fascinating journey. The music is united by a single driving force, but the original and striking contrasts of the music will enlighten and entertain. Experience extraordinary responses to the Classical style by two Russian composers -- Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, followed by English inspirations from Vaughan Williams and from the great master, Joseph Haydn.   A gorgeous evening of musical treasures is enriched by two of Australia’s most exceptional soloists. Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations are incredibly virtuosic -- one of the most fascinating and exciting showcase works for the cello, and we will hear it performed by one of Australia’s most outstanding cellists, Julian Smiles.   And to mark the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Ralph Vaughan Williams, it is a special pleasure to be able to present his most popular work performed by the brilliant Australian violinist, Dimity Hall, who created sensations with her renditions of this masterpiece in recent performances with the Sydney Symphony. Haydn’s celebrated “London” Symphony, his most enduring masterwork, concludes an elegant Classical celebration.   A concert of style and grace. An evening with the CSO….                                     ...more than words can say.