By arts editor HELEN MUSA

There may be plenty of jokes about the “double Dutch” brothers, but there is nothing remotely funny about the extraordinary musical talents of Lucas and Arthur Jussen, one of the world’s leading piano duos.

The famed Dutch brothers, who recently made their BBC Proms debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall after appearing as soloists with the Berlin Philharmonic, are now bringing their acclaimed four hand partnership to Canberra for their Australian debut tour.

At the piano, the brothers are said to breathe as one, listening and responding to each other instinctively, shaping phrases together and creating a sound both thrilling and intimate.

Born in 1993 and 1996, Lucas and Arthur Jussen have become among the most sought after piano duos of their generation, earning praise for their energetic, almost symbiotic playing, refinement of sound and gripping interpretations.

Their international reputation has seen them perform as soloists with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, making the brothers leading ambassadors for classical music from the Netherlands.

They have recorded exclusively for Deutsche Grammophon since 2010, with their debut album of Beethoven works achieving platinum status and winning the Edison Klassiek Audience Award. Conductor Michael Schønwandt summed up their partnership after directing them in concert with the observation that it was “like driving a pair of BMWs”.

Their Canberra program at Snow Concert Hall will showcase the full range of their musicianship, beginning with Mozart, Schubert and Mendelssohn.

After interval, the program takes a dramatic turn with Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, performed in the composer’s own version for piano four hands.

One of the most revolutionary works in music, The Rite of Spring is already renowned for its raw energy, but the four hand arrangement, its elemental force is concentrated into a single piano and two performers, demanding extraordinary precision, virtuosity and complete trust between the players.

The Jussen Brothers perform at Snow Concert Hall on Friday, August 28.

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