From the rise of romanticism during the 19th century Russian Empire to the torturous suffering of the Soviet Union under Stalin, White Nights explores Russian and Soviet music that is imbued with lush and rich harmonies juxtaposed with human tragedy and hidden sarcasm.

Shostakovich’s gloriously vivacious Piano Concerto No. 2 opens the program followed by Borodin’s Nocturne from his Second String Quartet featuring Alan Smith. The Soloists will be joined by Australian cello virtuoso, Richard Narroway in Tchaikovsky’s lightning-fast cello showpiece, Pezzo Capriccioso and presenting the third of new works for Southern Cross Soloists (SXS) and Didgeridoo by Australian composer Matthew Dewey. The highlight of the program will be Stravinsky’s exotic and magical Firebird Suite, a piece that first catapulted him to international fame. Finishing the concert will be a rousing Russian Gypsy traditional folk song.