Richard Tognetti

Helena Rathbone

Maxime Bibeau

Presented by Australian Chamber Orchestra 
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#### Season 2026  
  
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world. Led by their pioneering Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, the Orchestra is defined by its exceptional virtuosity and an irrepressible sense of adventure and curiosity. Read more about the [Australian Chamber Orchestra Season 2026.](https://civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/annual-seasons/aco26)

### **Richard Tognetti leads an Australian Chamber Orchestra octet to celebrate the greatest of musical poets.**

Schubert composed like an oil painter, drawing from a rich palette of melodic and harmonic colours. With a divine lyricism at its heart, his music is imbued with an intimacy and intensity that taps into the full range of human emotion.    
  
   
  
Richard Tognetti’s affinity for Schubert is evident in every note he plays. Here, he directs an ACO ensemble featuring a handpicked selection of Australia’s top wind players in two exquisite works that showcase Schubert as a master of chamber music.    
  
   
  
Schubert wrote his Octet to emulate his hero Beethoven’s groundbreaking septet – adding an extra violin and revelling in the textural possibilities of the winds and strings together.    
  
   
  
The result offers the drama of a big orchestra with the agility of a small ensemble. The Octet is six movements of unbridled joy, studded with moments of darkness and poignancy that make its resolution even more satisfying.    
  
   
  
Schubert’s beloved Fantasy in C major for violin and piano was inspired by Paganini’s brilliance and is arranged by Tognetti for the magic of the ACO octet. It is a shimmering and compelling counterpart that completes this heart-warming, life-affirming concert experience. 

**Artists**   
  
**Richard Tognetti** Director & Violin    
  
**Helena Rathbone** Violin    
  
**Stefanie Farrands** Viola    
  
**Johannes Rostamo** Cello   
  
**Maxime Bibeau** Double Bass   
  
**David Griffiths** Clarinet   
  
**Todd Gibson-Cornish** Bassoon   
  
**Carla Blackwood** Horn 

**Program   
  
Franz Schubert** (arr. Tognetti) Fantasy in C major, D.934    
  
**Franz Schubert** Octet in F major, D.803 

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Running time 2hrs, inc interval. Running times are approximate and subject to change without notice.  
  
  
  
This performance is recommended for ages 10+. Please note that no babes in arms will be admitted to the auditorium.

Schubert’s Fantasy & Octet

Event Description

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Performing Artists