An evening of masterful musical storytelling, where violin and piano weave together myth and emotion
Presented by: Musica Viva Australia
Reviewed: 14 July 2026
Classical music can sometimes feel intimidating to newcomers, but boutique performances like The Fairy’s Kiss demonstrate Musica Viva Australia’s commitment to making world-class chamber music both accessible and affordable, pairing internationally acclaimed musicians with $49 tickets.
Violinist Leila Josefowicz and pianist John Novacek are captivating performers who have toured together for more than three decades. Their on-stage chemistry feels relaxed and effortless. Their musical dialogue is instinctive, each anticipating the other’s every phrase while allowing individual moments to shine.
The evening opens with Debussy’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, beginning as an almost playful conversation between piano and violin, before gradually unfolding into something far richer and more intricate. Novacek’s command of Debussy’s shimmering harmonies is exquisite, shifting between delicate impressionism and bold, modern tones. Josefowicz is wonderfully expressive, her flowing black skirt mirroring her physical engagement with the music as she seems almost to dance through the exhilarating final movement.
Next comes Polish composer Szymanowski’s Mythes, inspired by Greek mythology. The opening movement, depicting the nymph Arethusa fleeing her pursuer, surges with restless passion as violin and piano chase, collide and intertwine. It is delightful to hear such a rarely performed opus presented with such passion.
After the interval, Josefowicz warmly addresses the audience, introducing the Australian premiere of contemporary British composer Charlotte Bray’s Mriya (commissioned in part by Musica Viva). Bray (a close friend of Josefowicz) wrote the work in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ethereal sul ponticello violin floats almost ghost-like above the piano’s sombre foundation before both instruments erupt into harsh, explosive outbursts. It is the emotional centrepiece of the evening.
The programme ends with Stravinsky’s Divertimento from Le Baiser de la fée, a dazzling display of rhythm and lyricism. The second movement, “Swiss Dances,” conjures fairies skipping effortlessly across the stage, with Novacek’s fingers bouncing joyfully across the keyboard and Josefowicz’s dazzling agility on the fingerboard.
An encore, Novacek’s own 4th Street Drag, provides the perfect farewell – nostalgic, bright and irresistibly charming.
Those who braved the cold Tuesday evening commute into Adelaide were rewarded with an exceptional performance: two virtuosos sharing timeless stories through music.
Reviewed by: Nicola Woolford
Photo credit: Alex Jamieson
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: ended
Duration: Two Hours
