Overview
Explore new musical frontiers as you take a deep dive into the thrilling soundworld of the theremin, the world’s first electronic instrument
The theremin is utterly unique. It’s a sound you’ve definitely heard, even if you've never heard of it. Following the success of our sold-out tour of A Clockwork Orange & Beyond comes this series showcasing the range and power of the world’s first electronic instrument.
Richard Tognetti directs an eclectic program starring Carolina Eyck, the internationally renowned superstar of the theremin. When Eyck plays, she stands poised, hands aloft, making intricate moves but touching nothing. Out pours a melody that speaks of other worlds. It looks, and sounds, like magic.
The theremin can create a thousand different colours and moods. Come with us as we experience them all: serenity and beauty, longing and danger, mystery and wonder. From the swinging sounds of The Beach Boys and the unmistakable Star Trek theme, to a new commission from Australian composer Holly Harrison, and closing with the riotous thrumming of the Flight of the Bumblebee, this is a concert full of fun that will take you to other worlds.
-
This event is part of Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 Season. View the full program here.
Program
Johann Sebastian Bach Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major, BWV1068: II. Air
Holly Harrison New work (World Premiere) ^
Jacques Offenbach Orpheus in the Underworld: Can-can
Camille Saint-Saëns The Carnival of the Animals: Selections; Danse macabre, Op.40
Brett Dean Short Stories: IV. Komarov’s Last Words^
Mikhail Glinka A Farewell to St Petersburg: X. The Lark
Erwin Schulhoff Five Pieces for String Quartet
Jörg Widmann 180 beats per minute (Australian Premiere)
Carolina Eyck Fantasias: Oakunar Lynntuja (Strange Birds) (Australian Premiere)
Brian Wilson Good Vibrations
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov Flight of the Bumblebee
And selections from the soundtracks to:
Miklós Rózsa’s Spellbound, Jonny Greenwood's There Will Be Blood, Alexander Courage’s Star Trek, Ennio Morricone’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Jim Parker’s Midsomer Murders.
^Commissioned by the Australian Chamber Orchestra
Listen to a sneak peek of the program on Spotify below!
About ACO
The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) is celebrating fifty years in 2025 and is one of the most acclaimed chamber orchestras in the world, renowned for their inspired programming, unrivalled virtuosity, energy and individuality. Under the direction of Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, they take audiences on an adventure to create truly transformative experiences.
Artists
- Director and Violin Richard Tognetti
- Chamber Orchestra Australian Chamber Orchestra
- Theremin Carolina Eyck
- Piano Tamara-Anna Cislowska
You may also like
-
Maestro 5: Ravel & MacMillan Queensland Symphony Orchestra Maestro 5: Ravel & MacMillan
17 - 18 Jul 2026Concert HallLet the rhythm guide you with Ravel’s sweeping ballet score, Daphnis and Chloé, and James MacMillan’s First Percussion Concerto.
-
Keys to Life with Jayson Gillham and Iyad SughayerImage by Bruce Marshall Keys to Life
22 Jul 2026, 7pmConcert HallExperience two world-class pianists, Jayson Gillham and Iyad Sughayer, in an evening that celebrates music and friendship.
-
The Music of Video Games Queensland Symphony Orchestra The Music of Video Games
24 - 25 Jul 2026Concert HallFrom Assassin’s Creed to Sonic the Hedgehog and more, experience the most unforgettable video game soundtracks in symphonic force.
-
Music on Sundays 3: Fanfare & Flight Queensland Symphony Orchestra Music on Sundays 3: Fanfare & Flight
2 Aug 2026, 11:30amConcert HallExperience a journey through proclamation and introspection with music by Copland, Tchaikovsky and more.
-
Australian Chamber Orchestra From Winter’s Stillness
3 Aug 2026, 7pmConcert HallTrio Mediæval and Arve Henriksen join Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra for a soul-stirring evocation of ancient landscapes and Northern light.
-
Barragga YanggaImage by David Rogers Clancestry Barragga Yangga
7 Aug 2026, 7pmPlayhouseExperience Barragga Yangga, a moving choral celebration of First Nations language, story and song.
-
Old. New. Borrowed. Blue Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra Old. New. Borrowed. Blue.
20 Aug 2026, 7pmConcert HallThis is chamber music reimagined – where old and new, classical and contemporary – fuse into a captivating concert experience.
-
Vivaldi’s Legacy Australian Brandenburg Orchestra Vivaldi’s Legacy
25 Aug 2026, 7:30pmConcert HallA concert of detail, grace, and imagination celebrating the extraordinary Anna Maria della Pietà, Vivaldi’s famed protégé.