DAVID HELFGOTT – SHINE CONCERTO

For some, David Helfgott’s name is almost synonymous with Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto (D Minor Op. 30). Anyone who has seen the 1996 movie Shine would be well-acquainted with David’s departure and return to his beloved: the piano. The movie, starring Geoffrey Rush, depicts Helfgott’s life and early struggles with Schizoaffective Disorder. In the lead-up to his concert, I spoke with David Helfott’s wife Gillian about his continuing relationship with the work that shaped his career.

Despite having performed what has been affectionately dubbed the ‘Shine Concerto’ for most of his life, Gillian insists David’s raw passion for music allows him to maintain his relationship with the virtuosic Rachmaninov work. “He has been up until 2am practicing and has been working very well.” His collaboration with new ensembles and musicians ensures that David and his Rachmaninov never tire of each other. In this case David will perform with the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra; a local orchestra comprised of some of Sydney’s finest and most elite musicians and conducted by the acclaimed Sarah-Grace Williams. “David loves playing different places with different musicians. It brings a freshness to it,” Gillian continues. “Twenty years ago he had only performed the Bach a couple of times. Surprisingly, it is the second movement which David loves the most, such a contrast to what he is usually associated with.” David has also been playing Beethoven’s Apassionata Sonata ‘non-stop’ since he was sixteen and like the Rachmaninov, approaches it each time with a renewed vigour. “He never tires of playing it. You can hear the love in his playing,” she explains.

It has been ten years since he last performed the Rachmaninov here in Sydney. Having played it to a standing ovation across Europe and the world, Gillian admits it is a ‘real treat’ for David to be playing it in Australia again.

Aug 9-10, City Recital Hall, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney, $53-129, 8256 2222, cityrecitalhall.com