Pardon My French

Wit. Virtuosity.

The English wrote the music. The Frenchman rewrites the rules.

French-Japanese violinist Augustin Lusson has never been interested in playing the role of the traditional Baroque soloist. He calls himself the "anti-soloist"—leading from within rather than standing apart, bringing fearless energy, curiosity and personality to every performance. Making his Australian debut with the Brandenburg, he arrives with a reputation as one of Europe's most exciting musical provocateurs.

The title Pardon My French is more than a joke. It celebrates a Baroque world without borders, where composers borrowed freely, crossed cultures and constantly reinvented one another's ideas. Handel, Corbet, Avison, Geminiani and Leclair become fellow travelers in a musical landscape where nationality matters far less than imagination.

The result is exhilarating. Familiar music feels newly minted, old rivalries become creative fuel, and centuries-old masterpieces emerge full of freshness, wit and life. This is Baroque music with its collar loosened—irreverent, stylish and utterly captivating.