Australian Chamber Orchestra: Pekka Kuusisto: Legends & Luminaries
City Recital Hall - 3-7 October 2026 | Sydney Opera House -18 October
Information
Presented by the Australian Chamber Orchestra
Pekka Kuusisto: Legends & Luminaries
International violinist and director Pekka Kuusisto returns to the ACO with an exhilarating program celebrating musical genius across the centuries.
After almost a decade, acclaimed Finnish violinist, conductor and composer Pekka Kuusisto reunites with the Australian Chamber Orchestra for a concert that celebrates visionary composers whose creativity transcends time.
Renowned for his boundless imagination and fearless artistry, Kuusisto brings his unmistakable energy to works by Mozart, Nico Muhly, Ellen Reid and Mendelssohn—combining timeless masterpieces with compelling contemporary voices.
Blending dazzling virtuosity, lyrical beauty and bold new ideas, Legends & Luminaries is a vibrant celebration of artistic brilliance across generations.
The Program
Mozart's beloved melodies from The Magic Flute open the concert before Nico Muhly's dazzling violin concerto Shrink, written especially for Kuusisto, showcases the soloist's remarkable artistry.
The program also features the Australian premiere of Ellen Reid'sWest Coast Sky Eternal, a powerful meditation on nature and humanity, alongside Mendelssohn's energetic String Quintet No. 2 in a vibrant arrangement for strings.
Together these works highlight extraordinary composers whose originality continues to shape the musical landscape.
Virtuosity Without Boundaries
Pekka Kuusisto is celebrated around the world for performances that combine exceptional musicianship with warmth, spontaneity and imagination.
Directing the ACO from the violin, he brings fresh perspectives to classical masterpieces while championing some of today's most exciting composers in a program full of colour, energy and invention.
Whether you're drawn to Mozart's timeless brilliance or contemporary music at its most adventurous, this concert offers an unforgettable musical journey.
Featured Artists
Pekka Kuusisto Director & Violin
Australian Chamber Orchestra
"An artist unbound by convention, whose artistic freedom is unexpected and thrilling."
— Australian Chamber Orchestra
Event Details
National Tour: 3–19 October 2026
Venues: City Recital Hall & Sydney Opera House, Sydney Melbourne Recital Centre & Hamer Hall, Melbourne Adelaide Town Hall Winthrop Hall, Perth Llewellyn Hall, Canberra Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane
Performance Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including interval.
Program Highlights: Mozart – The Magic Flute Nico Muhly – Shrink Ellen Reid – West Coast Sky Eternal (Australian Premiere) Mendelssohn – String Quintet No. 2
Featuring: Pekka Kuusisto, Director & Violin Australian Chamber Orchestra
Tickets: From $49. Save up to 20% with an ACO Flexi-subscription.
Recommended For: Classical music lovers • Contemporary music enthusiasts • Violin fans • Orchestral music • Ages 8+
