SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT GREAT PASSIONS - Amazon AWS
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
G R E AT PA S S I O N S
Michelle Wood, cello Photography Peter Tarasiuk
Styling Kimberly Gardner, Karinda Mutabazi Hair and makeup Claire Leighton
1
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
January
SYMPHONICA
ARMAND VAN HELDEN
with the MSO
Saturday 27 January
Sidney Myer Music Bowl
Benjamin Northey
conductor
Armand Van Helden
electronic producer
House music legend Armand Van
Helden joins the MSO on stage for
one night only, heralding the inaugural
Symphonica concert.
With Associate Conductor Benjamin
Northey at the helm, Armand Van
Helden and the MSO will breathe new
life into the long list of house anthems.
Inspired by the success of 2016’s
Sidney Myer Music Bowl performance
featuring techno legends Jeff Mills &
Derrick May, Symphonica is the first
instalment in what will be an ongoing
annual collaborative series between
the MSO and some of contemporary
music’s most influential figures.
Special guests: Harvey Sutherland
and Bermuda X MSO
Armand Van Helden
2
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
February
SIDNEY MYER HOT SUMMER NIGHT! EAST MEETS WEST
FREE CONCERTS CHINESE NEW YEAR CONCERT
Saturday 10 February | 7.30pm
The Sidney Myer Free Saturday 24 February | 7.30pm
Concert series is the perfect Antony Hermus conductor Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Luciana Mancini mezzo-soprano
soundtrack to summer in
Tianyi Lu conductor
the city, located at one of Ravel Alborada del gracioso
Falla El Amor Brujo Maxim Vengerov violin
Melbourne’s most iconic
Marquez Danzon No.2 MSO’s annual Chinese New Year
outdoor venues.
Berio Folksongs celebration has become a highlight on
Gates open at 4.30pm Ravel Boléro the concert calendar. Join the MSO plus
a stellar cast of guest artists, including
In association with
FROM MSO, WITH LOVE the extraordinary Maxim Vengerov,
to celebrate the Year of the Dog in
Wednesday 14 February | 7.30pm a colourful and joyous concert that
VALENTINE’S DAY! showcases Melbourne’s diverse culture.
ROMANCE AND CLASSICS
Benjamin Northey conductor
Wednesday 7 February | 7.30pm Natalie Aroyan soprano
Rosario La Spina tenor
Antony Hermus conductor
R. Strauss Don Juan
Sophie Rowell violin
Puccini Tosca: Mario! Mario! Mario!
Wagenaar Overture Cyrano Martucci Notturno
de Bergerac Tchaikovsky Capriccio Italien
Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 Puccini Preludio Sinfonico
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4 Puccini La Bohème: Finale Act 1
Tianyi Lu
3
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
March
MSO MORNINGS — SEASON OPENING GALA —
DAVIS | FREIRE DAVIS | FREIRE | SKELTON
Friday 2 March | 11am Saturday 3 March | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Sir Andrew Davis conductor Sir Andrew Davis conductor Celebrate the opening of the MSO’s
Nelson Freire piano Nelson Freire piano 2018 season with two fantastic guest
Stuart Skelton tenor artists. Highlights include Beethoven’s
Wagner Götterdämmerung:
stirring Emperor Concerto, the
Morgendämmerung and Vine Symphony No.1 Microsymphony ∆
dungeon scene from Fidelio and
Siegfried’s Rheinfahrt Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5
Verdi’s amazing finale from Otello.
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 Beethoven Fidelio: Gott!
Experience two of the greatest works
Welch Dunkel hier!
‘I love a good musical sunrise and this by two great masters of classical
Wagner Götterdämmerung:
one from Wagner’s Götterdämmerung music, Wagner and Verdi, who were
Morgendämmerung and
is one of the most magical. I love born in the same year.
Siegfrieds Rheinfahrt
entering Wagner’s realm of legend,
Wagner Die Walküre: Juxtaposed with these classical
and being carried away by his
Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond icons is Composer in Residence
incredible yearning to the other-
Verdi Otello: Ballabile Carl Vine’s Microsymphony, a work
worldly. Following this with a mature
Verdi Otello: Niun mi tema encompassing the dramatic features
master of the piano interpreting
one expects from a symphony,
Beethoven’s crowning achievement Sir Andrew Davis on Beethoven’s compressed into just 12 minutes.
of concerto writing is sure to be a Emperor Concerto: Magisterial…
highlight of 2018.’ Masterful… Imposing… Stirring…
∆
Composer in Residence
– Nicholas Bochner, Principal Cellist
Nelson Freire
4
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
March
THE DREAM OF GERONTIUS MAHLER 9
Thursday 8 March | 7.30pm Friday 16 March | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Friday 9 March | 7.30pm Saturday 17 March | 7.30pm
Costa Hall, Geelong Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 10 March | 2pm Monday 19 March | 6.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Sir Andrew Davis conductor Elgar’s masterpiece is a profoundly Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Catherine Wyn-Rogers religious work, but whatever your
Mahler Symphony No.9
mezzo-soprano beliefs, there is a message of ecstatic
Stuart Skelton tenor hope that will move you, leaving ‘A symphony must be like a world –
Nathan Berg bass you with thoughts of the all mighty: it must contain everything.’
MSO Chorus Where do we go? What becomes of Gustav Mahler.
us? Do we merge into the collective
Elgar The Dream of Gerontius It can be conducted as a love song to
unconscious?
life, or as a hymn to death, or both.
A soul’s journey. Angels and demons.
Featuring an all-star cast, this rarely Whatever path Sir Andrew Davis
Death and eternal peace. This is the
performed production of epic takes, it will leave you changed, with
story of Gerontius.
proportions, complete with the more questions than answers.
The concert begins with Gerontius extraordinary sounds of the MSO
Sir Andrew Davis and the MSO
(sung by Stuart Skelton) on his Chorus and conducted by the great
continue the Mahler Cycle with
death bed. He journeys into master of Elgar, Sir Andrew Davis, is a
the Ninth, Mahler’s last complete
purgatory and is taken under the must-see event in 2018.
and most ambiguous symphony.
wing of a guardian angel (sung
‘I first heard this work at the age This showstopper is as much about
by Catherine Wyn-Rogers).
of 14 and it made the deepest our fragmenting world, as volatile
impression on me. It’s with great as Europe was at the end of the
joy that I bring it to the MSO.’ composer’s life.
– Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor Known for taking audiences beyond
the world, the first movement starts
gently and becomes much more
impassioned and strenuous. The third
movement is riotously energetic,
which makes the finale all the more
remarkable for the sustained vision of
some land of promise that we are all
looking for.
‘It’s a transcendental piece and I’m
thrilled that we are performing this
right after Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius.
The two works take us beyond the
world and it is quite extraordinary to
play these two pieces next to each
other in a season.’
Sir Andrew Davis
– Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor
5
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
March
THE PROMS PROMS FAMILY CONCERT LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS
COME TO THE PROMS! Saturday 24 March | 5pm Sunday 25 March | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
It’s a British institution and
it’s here in Melbourne, the Sir Andrew Davis conductor Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Tasmin Little violin Tasmin Little violin
only city outside of London
David Jones drum kit
to host this iconic event. Elgar In London Town
Measha Brüggergosman soprano
Vaughan Williams
MSO Chorus
Streamers, Union Jacks, and a grand The Lark Ascending
Chorus, the best of British music Vaughan Williams Elgar In London Town
and other great works; put all these English Folksong Suite Duparc Orchestral songs
elements together and you have the Britten Young Person’s Guide Ravel Tzigane
Melbourne Last Night of the Proms, to the Orchestra Vine V ∆
led by King of the Proms himself, Sir Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs Chindamo Drum Kit Concerto ▯
Andrew Davis. Elgar Pomp and Circumstance Elgar Pomp and Circumstance
March No.1 March No.1
∆
Composer in Residence Wood Fantasia on British Sea Songs
▯
World premiere Arne Rule, Britannia!
Parry Jerusalem
6
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
April
DEBUSSY AND BRAHMS TCHAIKOVSKY 5
Thursday 5 April | 7.30pm Friday 13 April | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Friday 6 April | 7.30pm Saturday 14 April | 7.30pm
Robert Blackwood Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Monash University Monday 16 April | 6.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Jun Märkl conductor
Christopher Moore viola Muhai Tang conductor Aaron Jay Kernis will be a white
David Berlin cello James Ehnes violin heat experience. Kernis wrote it
Ladies of the MSO Chorus for James Ehnes, who returns to
Brahms Tragic Overture
Melbourne bringing his beautiful,
Debussy Nocturnes Kernis Violin Concerto
lyrical tone and jaw-dropping virtuoso
Finsterer Double Concerto ▯ Australian Premiere
technique, promising poetry and
Brahms Symphony No.4 – MSO Commission
fireworks before you even get to the
Tchaikovsky Symphony No.5
Debussy’s picturesque Tchaikovsky!
Nocturnes conjure visions of Meet Muhai Tang, the charismatic
Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony might
clouds, festival celebrations and Chinese-born conductor renowned
be 130 years old in 2018, but the
dangerously alluring sirens! for delivering edge-of-your-seat
striking masterpiece has stood the
performances, so expect passion and
This rare performance of the test of time, becoming one of the
drama aplenty.
complete set of three movements composer’s most popular works.
inspired by paintings by James The Australian premiere of the Violin A live experience you won’t forget.
MacNeill’s Whistler: Nuages (Clouds), Concerto by Pulitzer Prize-winning
Fètes (Festivals) and Sirenes (Siren)
will stir emotions and imaginations
as the voices of the Ladies of the
MSO Chorus are integrated into the
orchestra.
Brahms’ grand and sweeping Fourth
Symphony, a favourite among many a
conductor and musician, completes
the evening.
‘If you ask me which Brahms’
symphony is my favourite, the answer
would be the one I’m conducting
right now. But I do believe that
the fourth is truly my favourite!’
– Sir Andrew Davis, Chief Conductor
▯
World premiere
James Ehnes
7
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
April
METROPOLIS 1 METROPOLIS 2 CLASSIC KIDS –
MONASH MONASH DAHLESQUE
Thursday 19 April | 7.30pm Saturday 21 April | 7.30pm Saturday 28 April | 10am and 11.30am
Robert Blackwood Hall, Robert Blackwood Hall, Malthouse Theatre
Monash University Monash University
Songs and stories from Roald Dahl
Clark Rundell conductor Clark Rundell conductor with Elise McCann
Wu Wei sheng Jennifer Koh violin
The MSO invites you to explore the
Australian String Quartet Allison Bell soprano
fantastical imagination and sardonic
Ligeti String Quartet No.1 Chin Rocaná ** world of the irrepressible Roald Dahl,
Métamorphoses nocturnes Chin Puzzles and Games ** in this gloriumptiously irreverent
Chin Šu ** Ligeti Atmosphères and magical concert. Starring Elise
Vincent New work ▯ ∆ Chin Violin Concerto ** McCann (2016 Helpmann Award-
Chin ParaMetaString winner as Miss Honey in Matilda
Unsuk Chin’s masterful crafting of
the Musical) and an astonishingly
Ligeti’s String Quartet No.1 is an esoteric and ephemeral atmosphere
playful orchestra, you’ll hear music
amazing explosion of energy and is the perfect combination with Ligeti.
from Dahl’s favourite stories including
gesture whose origins are deeply Ligeti’s terrifying Atmosphères is the
Matilda, Willy Wonka and the
rooted in Hungarian folk and art piece that changed film music forever.
Chocolate Factory and James and
music. Experience this very rare
‘Chin’s music is some of the most the Giant Peach, as well as original
treat to hear this stunning music
challenging and intricate that I’ve compositions of Revolting Rhymes.
live in the hands of the brilliant
played, but the result is an exquisitely
Australian String Quartet.
woven sonic tapestry.’
▯
World premiere – Monica Curro, Assistant Principal,
** Australian premiere Second Violin.
∆ Cybec Young Composer in Residence
East meets West
Australian String Quartet Elise McCann
8
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
May
AN EVENING IN VIENNA CHAMBER 1 BEETHOVEN’S EROICA
Friday 4 May | 7.30pm Sunday 6 May | 11am Thursday 10 May | 7.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall ABC Southbank Centre, Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Iwaki Auditorium Friday 11 May | 7.30pm
Benjamin Northey conductor Robert Blackwood Hall,
Emma Matthews soprano Michelle Ruffolo violin Monash University
MSO Chorus Nicholas Bochner cello Saturday 12 May | 2pm
Wendy Clark flute Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Start your Melbourne Town Hall
Thomas Hutchinson oboe
series experience with some of the
Jack Schiller bassoon
most vibrant and beautiful Viennese Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Donald Nicolson harpischord
music of the golden age. Moye Chen piano
Couperin Concerts Royaux
Melbourne’s Benjamin Northey will Vine Concerto for Orchestra ∆
Nos.1, 2, 3, 4
lead the orchestra through some Liszt Piano Concerto No.1
of the most well-known polkas and The stylish sounds of the French Beethoven Symphony No.3 Eroica
waltzes and Strauss’ iconic Voices of Baroque at their very finest! Escape
Beethoven originally dedicated his
Spring and The Blue Danube. into a wonderful world of chamber
revolutionary Heroic Symphony
music in this exquisite program
MSO favourite Emma Matthews (Eroica is Italian for heroic) to
showcasing Francois Couperin’s
makes a welcome return performing Napoleon but famously erased his
Concerts Royaux.
arias from Die Fledermaus and name from the title page when the
The Merry Widow, in what ‘Imagine walking through the Hall political leader started his many
promises to be a memorable of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles invasions!
evening of fun and beauty filled with the scent of spring blossom
Sir Andrew Davis leads the MSO
with the romance of Vienna! from the Orangerie wafting in the
through the supremely triumphant
air… and suddenly the elegant and
and outgoing piece, celebrating
sophisticated strains of Couperin’s
heroism, which then moves into a
music entertaining the court of Louis
slow movement, the funeral march,
XIV fill the room.’
to remind us that we all, even heroes,
– Sophie Rowell, have to face death.
Associate Concertmaster ∆ Composer in Residence
Benjamin Northey Benjamin
Moye ChenNorthey
9
SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
June
CLASSIC KIDS – TRIPOD THOMAS HAMPSON L’ENFANCE DU CHRIST
SINGS MAHLER
Saturday 2 June | 2pm Friday 15 June | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Thursday 7 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Saturday 16 June | 7.30pm
Three men who perform songs and Friday 8 June | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
make funnies (sometimes at the Costa Hall, Geelong Monday 18 June | 6.30pm
same time) and one charismatic Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
orchestra. Join the MSO and hilarious
Andrea Molino conductor
musical comedy trio Tripod — Scod,
Thomas Hampson baritone Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Gatesy and Yon — for a seriously silly
Sasha Cooke mezzo-soprano (Marie)
exploration of all things orchestral, Mahler Totenfeier
Andrew Staples tenor (Le Récitant)
some things symphonic, original Mahler Lieder eines fahrenden
Roderick Williams baritone (Joseph)
songs and divine harmonies. Gesellen
Andrew Goodwin tenor (Centurion)
Tripod are the guest artists for
Messiaen Le Tombeau Resplendissant
Shane Lowrencev bass (Polydore)
MSO’s Education Week 2018 Strauss Tod und Verklärung
Matthew Brook bass (Hérode,
An inspiring evening awaits Père de famille)
when Italian conductor Andrea MSO Chorus
Molino guides the MSO through
Berlioz L’Enfance du Christ
a program of Mahler, Messiaen
and Richard Strauss. Think Berlioz, and badly-behaved
witches and drug-induced
Continuing its exploration of Mahler,
hallucinations come to mind. So
the MSO is joined by celebrated
this almost operatic oratorio telling
American baritone Thomas Hampson
the tale of Christ’s childhood, is a
performing the composer’s beautiful
bit of a surprise package. Tender,
songs of a love-lorn wanderer.
luminous, at times intimate,
with a touch of the occult in the
Soothsayers inventive dance, the
overall atmosphere is one of child-like
purity that will move you to the core.
And a warning that the final mystic
chorus may bring you to tears.
Keep an eye and ear out for
the famous chorus piece titled
The Shepherd’s Farewell and
the ferociously big scene when
Herod is ordering the slaughter
of all the babies – the whole
brass section play for 12 bars.
Tripod
10SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
June
MID SEASON GALA —
ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER | TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO
Saturday 23 June | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Sir Andrew Davis conductor Experience the colour and drama of ‘Within the enormous versatility of
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin this extraordinary program for the the MSO, the Russian repertoire
Stacey Alleaume soprano MSO’s Mid-Season Gala featuring feels like a spiritual home to me. It’s
Jeremy Kleeman baritone superstar violinist Anne-Sophie such a thrill to be part of the colour
Mutter in her first ever Melbourne and drama of this music, luxuriating
Stravinsky Le baiser de la fée:
performance. in the warmth, the power and the
Divertimento
drive of the sound we make. The
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto Take in the luxurious warmth, power
perfect match of another legendary
Nielsen Symphony No.3 and drive of the MSO as they perform
soloist with what is probably the
Sinfonia Espansiva this glamourous one-night-only event
most exciting violin concerto ever
with one of the world’s greatest
written will be thrilling.’
soloists, all under the incredible
guidance of Chief Conductor Sir – Nicholas Bochner, Principal Cellist
Andrew Davis.
Anne-Sophie Mutter
11SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
June
MSO MORNINGS — EARS WIDE OPEN KOLJA BLACHER
ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER – DANCES FROM
TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN GALANTA Thursday 28 June | 7.30pm
Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth
CONCERTO Murdoch Hall
Monday 25 June | 6.30pm
Friday 22 June | 11am Melbourne Recital Centre
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Kolja Blacher violin, director
Kodaly Dances from Galanta Haydn Symphony No.83 La Poule
Sir Andrew Davis conductor Hear how Zoltan Kodaly composed Bernstein Serenade
Anne-Sophie Mutter violin this renowned orchestral work using Beethoven Romance No.1
motifs from the folk music of the Beethoven Symphony No.1
Stravinsky Le baiser de la fée:
Divertimento gypsy bands of his childhood. Esteemed violinist Kolja Blacher will
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto play/direct a diverse program that
includes Beethoven’s revolutionary
Experience the colour and drama of
First Symphony and, in homage to the
this extraordinary program featuring
MSO’s Bernstein 100 celebration, one
superstar violinist Anne-Sophie
of the composer’s great masterpieces.
Mutter in her Melbourne debut.
Take in the luxurious warmth, power
and drive of the MSO as they perform
with one of the world’s greatest
soloist, all under the incredible
guidance of Chief Conductor Sir
Andrew Davis.
Kolja Blacher
12SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
July
CHAMBER 2 SIMONE YOUNG & BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
KOLJA BLACHER
Sunday 1 July | 11am Friday 20 July | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Thursday 5 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Saturday 21 July | 7.30pm
Plexus Artist in Residence Friday 6 July | 7.30pm Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Monica Curro violin Costa Hall, Geelong Monday 23 July | 6.30pm
Philip Arkinstall clarinet Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 7 July | 2pm
Stefan Cassomenos piano
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
with
Joshua Weilerstein conductor
Sarah Curro violin
Simone Young conductor Jayson Gillham piano
Christopher Moore viola
Kolja Blacher violin Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3
Michelle Wood cello
Saul Lewis horn Britten Violin Concerto Brahms/Klengel Intermezzo
Bruckner Symphony no.6 (Nowak) Op.117 No.1
Prokofiev Overture on Hebrew
Brahms Piano Quartet
Themes After her recent triumph with
(orchestral version)
Hindemith Quartet Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony,
Dohnányi Sextet Simone Young, one of Australia’s What a pairing! Epic Beethoven in the
most distinguished artists, brings hands of pianist Jayson Gillham, the
Experience works by Prokofiev,
her extraordinary insights to the child prodigy from the Queensland
Hindemith and Dohnányi in this
composer’s glorious Sixth. bush, and Joshua Weilerstein who
intimate program featuring Artist in
hails from a notable musical dynasty.
Residence Plexus. The ever popular Kolja Blacher returns
to Australia with his 1730 Stradivari Beethoven’s extraordinary Piano
‘As chamber musicians we are part
to perform Benjamin Britten’s early Concerto No.3 with its kaleidoscope
of a conversation, contributing our
Violin Concerto, a piece demanding of colours and emotions transcends
individual voice in a sympathetic
great virtuosity and expressiveness. its Mozartian model and the
yet dynamic way. This concert
romantic, slow movement is
exemplifies this art of dialogue, with
the part to listen out for.
unusual combinations of instruments
giving voice to three distinct The magnificent orchestration of
nationalistic styles.’ Brahms’ Piano Quartet with its
toe-tapping Hungarian dance finale
– Sophie Rowell,
completes a rich musical menu.
Associate Concertmaster
Simone Young Joshua Weilerstein
13SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
July
WEST SIDE STORY – PERFORMED LIVE TO FILM EARS WIDE OPEN –
SIEGFRIED IDYLL
Friday 27 July | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Monday 30 July | 6.30pm
Melbourne Recital Centre
Benjamin Northey conductor
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein as MSO performs his Wagner Siegfried Idyll
electrifying West Side Story score live, while the re-mastered film is shown on Wagner created the Siegfried Idyll,
the big screen with the original vocals and dialogue. Winner of ten Academy a symphonic poem, as a birthday
Awards®, the film, directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, features present to his second wife. Delve
Robbins’ choreography, screenplay by Ernest Lehman, book by Arthur more deeply into this blissful love
Laurents and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. song for chamber orchestra.
Music by Leonard Bernstein and Irwin Kostal
Screenplay by Ernest Lehman
Based on “West Side Story” by Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein,
Stephen Sondheim, and Arthur Laurents
Directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins
14SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
August
SAINT-SAËNS’ GREAT DALE BARLTROP
ORGAN SYMPHONY
Thursday 9 August | 7.30pm
Friday 3 August | 7.30pm Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Melbourne Town Hall Friday 10 August | 7.30pm
Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University
Benjamin Northey conductor
Piers Lane piano Dale Barltrop violin, director uses the solo violin to weave a love
Calvin Bowman organ story that scales a staggeringly vast
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.3
emotional soundscape - a gripping,
Kodaly Dances from Galanta Vine Smith’s Alchemy ∆
intense and hauntingly beautiful
Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 Vasks Vox Amoris
work. Rounding out the program is
Saint-Saëns Symphony No.3 Organ Bach Brandenburg Concerto No.1
Schubert’s ‘Tragic’ Symphony, an
The hugely popular Saint-Saëns ‘In this evocative and emotionally early masterpiece from one of my
Organ Symphony is the perfect piece charged program, we will take on personal favourite composers, whose
to experience the majestic power of Australian composer Carl Vine’s mastery of drama and imagination is
the MSO and the mighty Town Hall highly successful Smith’s Alchemy, in full flight here.’
organ in the hands of Calvin Bowman, a work that will brilliantly showcase
– Dale Barltrop, concertmaster
conducted by Benjamin Northey. the virtuosity of the MSO string
players. Then in Vox Amoris, the
Internationally renowned Australian ∆
Composer in Residence
Latvian composer Peteris Vasks
pianist Piers Lane joins the MSO to
perform the sparkling and virtuosic
Piano Concerto No.1 of Franz Liszt.
Piers Lane Dale Barltrop
15SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
August
Bernstein Celebration
BERNSTEIN CLASSICS BERNSTEIN ON
BROADWAY
Wednesday 15 August | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Saturday 18 August | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Bramwell Tovey conductor invited Tovey to attend classes and
Nicholas Tolputt countertenor rehearsals. The rest is history. Bramwell Tovey conductor, piano
Liane Keegan contralto Sarah Fox soprano
‘He was so interested in people, that
MSO Chorus Liane Keegan contralto
when he was writing music he wrote
Copland Orchestral Variations for the audience. ‘There’s something Michael Petruccelli tenor
Mahler Rückert Lieder about the music that is extremely Brett Polegato baritone
Bernstein Symphony No.1 Jeremiah contagious. His music puts a spring in Songs and instrumental excerpts
Bernstein Chichester Psalms your step. His music makes you feel from Wonderful Town, On the Town,
better. It just makes you glad to be Candide, Peter Pan, Fancy Free and
Vivacious, danceable, exciting,
alive. I have never met anybody in my West Side Story.
intimate, life-enhancing, uplifting,
life who was more thrilled to be alive
elevating. All his life Leonard Bernstein had a
than Leonard Bernstein.’
Part of the MSO’s Bernstein love affair with New York and in his
– Bramwell Tovey, guest conductor many music theatre works he painted
Celebration, this program investigates
Bernstein’s musical roots through his the most vivid picture of life in the
mentor Aaron Copland, the music ‘City that Never Sleeps’.
of Gustav Mahler with whom he
identified, and the Jewish faith.
He based the impressive last
movement of his First Symphony on
the Lamentations of Jeremiah, and
the Book of Psalms provided the
texts of his life, embracing, joyous
Chichester Psalms.
The MSO is thrilled to welcome
Bramwell Tovey to Melbourne for this
celebration. As a young conductor
in 1986, he was asked to step in
to conduct the opening night of a
Bernstein Festival with the London
Symphony Orchestra. By doing
this, he followed in the footsteps of
Leonard Bernstein himself, whose
career was launched in the same
way. The only difference was that,
in Tovey’s case, Bernstein himself
was present. Subsequently Bernstein Leonard Bernstein
16SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
August
OPERA IN CONCERT: DIE WALKÜRE ACT 1 HOLST’S THE PLANETS
Saturday 25 August | 7.30pm Thursday 30 August | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Friday 31 August | 7.30pm
Sir Andrew Davis conductor A hunted man shelters from Costa Hall, Geelong
Eva-Maria Westbroek soprano the storm, not knowing he has
Saturday 1 September | 2pm
(Sieglinde) entered the house of his enemy.
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Frank van Aken tenor (Siegmund) Ancient custom keeps him safe
Daniel Sumegi bass (Hunding) for the night, but the morning
will bring death – until forbidden Sir Andrew Davis conductor
Wagner Siegfried Idyll Ladies of the MSO Chorus
love turns winter to spring.
Wagner Die Walküre, Act 1
‘Powerful and impassioned, Vine Symphony No.8 ▯ ∆
The evening begins with Wagner’s Die Walküre grips at every turn. Holst The Planets
blissful love song to his wife. And To open the concert, Wagner’s An astronomical evening awaits with
then, turns to a fierce tale of drama, blissful love song to his wife’. one of the most popular works of all
passion and power.
– Alastair McKean, MSO Librarian time, Holst’s masterpiece The Planets
The MSO teams up with acclaimed which has the ability to take you to
soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek to infinity and beyond!
bring you Act 1 from the second opera
Holst’s spectacular orchestral suite
of Wagner’s famous Ring Cycle.
has secured a universal place in
the repertoire with its depiction of
seven planets in our solar system.
Sir Andrew Davis conducts the
astrological work for the first time
in Australia, creating a marvelous
experience for first time or
established concert goers.
▯
World premiere
∆ Composer in Residence
Eva-Maria Westbroek
17SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
September
CLASSIC KIDS – MSO MOZART’S JUPITER NEW WORLD
MEETS CIRCUS OZ & MORE SYMPHONY
Saturday 8 September | 11.30pm Friday 14 September | 7.30pm Friday 21 September | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Melbourne Town Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Saturday 22 September | 7.30pm
Join the MSO as they entwine their Benjamin Northey conductor Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
music around the acrobatic limbs of Andrea Lam piano Monday 24 September | 6.30pm
Circus Oz in a spectacular fusion of Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Stravinsky Pulcinella Suite
two extraordinary and dramatically
Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1
different art forms. Be swept up by
Tchaikovsky/Stravinsky Bluebird Xian Zhang conductor
the power of the live orchestra as
Pas de deux Tianyi Lu conductor ⁰
Australia’s daredevil stunt masters
Mozart Symphony No.41 Jupiter Benjamin Grosvenor piano
defy the laws of physics, tickle your
funny-bone and push the boundaries Experience neo-classical works Mills Island Signal Island Song ▯
of impossibility. alongside masterpieces from the Schumann Piano Concerto
classical period under the masterful Dvořák Symphony No.9
baton of Benjamin Northey in this From the New World
special evening at the Melbourne
Beijing-born maestro Xian Zhang
Town Hall, featuring popular works by
makes her MSO debut with two
Stravinsky, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky
romantic masterpieces. Schumann’s
CHAMBER 3 and Mozart.
only piano concerto explores the
The peerless final C major symphony extremes of his personality as soloist
Sunday 9 September | 11am
of Mozart is a pinnacle of western art. and orchestra intertwine like the love
ABC Southbank Centre, Iwaki
It complements the inventiveness and affair between Schumann and Clara
Auditorium
melodic nature of Stravinsky’s ballet Wieck, the concerto’s dedicatee.
Pulcinella, a real showcase for the
Sophie Rowell violin Dvořák’s nostalgic New World
MSO musicians.
Matthew Tomkins violin symphony, with its soulful lament,
Christopher Moore viola After her recent thrilling sell-out Town ends in a blaze of chords with
Fiona Sargeant viola Hall performances, Australian pianist lingering echoes of darker memories.
David Berlin cello Andrea Lam returns to the Melbourne
The MSO performs the world
Rachael Tobin cello stage to perform Mendelssohn’s
premiere of a new indigenous-
Benjamin Hanlon double bass beautiful First Piano Concerto.
inspired commission for horns and
Greta Bradman soprano orchestra from renowned Australian
Boccherini Stabat Mater (selection) composer, Richard Mills.
Vine The Tree of Man ∆ ▯
World premiere
Brahms Sextet No.2 ⁰ Cybec Assistant Conductor
supported by The Cybec Foundation
Join musicians from the MSO in this East meets West
beautiful chamber program featuring
works by Boccherini, Brahms and
2018 Composer in Residence Carl
Vine. Open your eyes and your ears
to the expressive, sweeping music in
this third instalment in the popular
Andrea Lam
Chamber Series.
18SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
October
CHRISTOPHER MOORE CHAMBER 4 EARS WIDE OPEN –
DEBUSSY’S FAUN
Thursday 11 October | 7.30pm Sunday 21 October | 11am
Melbourne Recital Centre, ABC Southbank Centre, Iwaki Monday 22 October | 6.30pm
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall Auditorium Melbourne Recital Centre
Friday 12 October | 7.30pm
Robert Blackwood Hall, Freya Franzen violin Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un
Monash University Christopher Cartlidge viola faune
Rachael Tobin cello
Find out why Prelude to the Afternoon
Christopher Moore viola, director Stephen Newton bass
of a Faun is one of Debussy’s most
Sophie Rowell violin Jack Schiller bassoon
famous works and considered as a
Philip Arkinstall clarinet
Grandage New work ▯ turning point in the history of music.
Saul Lewis horn
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante
for violin and viola R. Strauss/Hasenöhrl
Brahms Serenade No.2 Till Eulenspiegel (einmal anders) STRAVINSKY’S
‘Arguably Mozart’s best concerto,
Ravel Duo for violin and cello
FIREBIRD
Beethoven Septet
Sinfonia Concertante has a bit of a
Celebrate Beethoven’s gleaming Thursday 25 October | 7.30pm
twist for his favourite instrument,
diamond of the chamber repertory Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
the viola (!). To say that the Serenade
No.2 was simply Brahms warming in this special program which also Friday 26 October | 11am
up to write a symphony is mere folly. features works by Ravel and Richard Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
This rarely performed masterpiece is Strauss, highlighting the strength of Saturday 27 October | 2pm
quintessential Brahms.’ the MSO’s strings, woodwind and Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
brass.
– Christopher Moore, Principal Viola
‘Melodious, harmonious and majestic Jukka-Pekka Saraste conductor
▯
World premiere
in structure it showcases how Dejan Lazić piano
masterful Beethoven was at reaching
Stravinsky Funeral Song
new horizons both in writing for each
Bartók Piano Concerto No.3
instrument and for the art of chamber
Stravinsky The Firebird
music. Till Eulenspiegel’s jocular
nature springs off the pages of this Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka
chamber arrangement abounding in Saraste will lead a hair-raising
sparkling wit and humour, just like a performance of the complete
twinkle in the eye.’ Firebird ballet. The music is as large
and fantastic as the staging, which
– Sophie Rowell,
includes three harps and quadruple
Associate Concertmaster
woodwind! Stravinsky’s Funeral Song
makes a welcome appearance, having
waited almost 109 years for a second
performance after the lost materials
were discovered in a house move
during 2015.
Christopher Moore
19SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
November
A NIGHT OF HARRY POTTER AND
ROMANTIC CLASSICS THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN™
Friday 2 November | 7.30pm Friday 9 November | 7.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Saturday 10 November | 1pm
Benjamin Northey conductor Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Harry Bennetts violin
Dvořák Carnival Overture Relive the magic of your favourite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner
Korngold Violin Concerto of Azkaban™ – in Concert. Based on the third instalment of J.K. Rowling’s
Brahms Symphony No.1 classic saga, fans of all ages can now experience the thrilling tale
accompanied by the music of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as
A night of celebration awaits with Harry soars across the big screen.
Benjamin Northey at the helm! HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S
WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s17)
The opening bars of Dvořák’s Carnival
Overture leap off the page with
tremendous energy and the joyful
nature of the ending of Brahms’
First Symphony has a similar effect.
Australian rising star violinist, Harry
Bennetts, makes his MSO debut and
performs a wonderful concerto by a
genius of 20th century classical and
film music, the Austrian composer
Erich Korngold.
20SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
November
BEETHOVEN 5 FRENCH CLASSICS SEASON FINALE —
MAXIM VENGEROV
Thursday 15 November | 7.30pm Friday 23 November | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Friday 30 November | 7.30pm
Friday 16 November | 7.30pm Saturday 24 November | 7.30pm Robert Blackwood Hall,
Costa Hall, Geelong Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Monash University
Saturday 17 November | 2pm Monday 26 November | 6.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall Markus Stenz conductor
Maxim Vengerov violin
Karina Canellakis conductor Fabien Gabel conductor Wagner Parsifal: Prelude and
Mayu Kishima violin ○ Beatrice Rana piano Transformation Music
Fiona Campbell mezzo-soprano Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1
Dvořák The Noon Witch
MSO Chorus Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
Shostakovich Violin Concerto No.1
Beethoven Symphony No.5 Debussy Prélude à l’après-midi d’un Join the MSO for a spectacular
faune Finale to the Monash season. Master-
Making her debut with the MSO,
Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3 violinist Maxim Vengerov returns to
American conductor Karina
Debussy/Dean Ariettes Oubliées Melbourne with his 1727 Stradivarius
Canellakis will lead the musicians
Ravel Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No.2 to perform the Australian premiere of
through a rich program of Beethoven,
Dvořák and Shostakovich. All the perfumes of Arabia would fade a new Violin Concerto, written for him
alongside this fragrant program of by the renowned Chinese composer
Beethoven’s Fifth needs no Qigang Chen. To top it all off MSO’s
exquisite French offerings complete
introduction but its originality (and former Chief Conductor Markus
with Paris-born conductor Fabien
those famous four notes –da da da Stenz will conduct Stravinsky’s The
Gabel. Australian mezzo-soprano
dumm) is always surprising no matter Rite of Spring: the ballet that changed
Fiona Campbell will spin the long,
how many times you hear it. music and dance forever.
languid lines of Debussy’s Forgotten
Songs – the perfect complement
to Ravel’s spectacular ballet suite,
Daphnis et Chloé, framing Prokofiev’s
tempestuous third piano concerto.
Expect sparks and sparkle from young
Italian pianist Beatrice Rana as she
makes her debut with the MSO.
Karina Canellakis Markus Stenz
21SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
December
SEASON FINALE —MAXIM VENGEROV
Saturday 1 December | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Markus Stenz conductor Join the MSO for a spectacular Finale ‘Melbourne itself is quite
Maxim Vengerov violin to our season. Master-violinist Maxim extraordinary – so colourful and
Vengerov returns to Melbourne with there’s this big element of culture
Wagner Parsifal: Prelude and
his 1727 Stradivarius to perform the which makes it so interesting. Music
Transformation Music
Australian premiere of a new Violin is my life partner. Because of music I
Chen Violin Concerto **
Concerto, written for him by the became a more sensitive person that
Stravinsky The Rite of Spring
renowned Chinese composer Qigang has allowed me to be more sensitive
Chen. To top it all off MSO’s former to other people. Music forces you
Chief Conductor Markus Stenz will to listen to yourself and to others.
conduct Stravinsky’s The Rite of In life, when I work hard I am more
Spring: the ballet that changed music sensitive to other people’s opinion
and dance forever. and needs. Life becomes a richer
experience.’
– Maxim Vengerov, violinist
Maxim Vengerov
22SEASON 2018 MEDIA KIT
December
HANDEL’S MESSIAH
Saturday 15 December | 7.30pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Sunday 16 December | 5pm
Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall
Jan Willem de Vriend conductor George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, In 2018 this epic setting of biblical
Ilse Eerens soprano composed in 1741, has become a text features Dutch early music
Nicholas Tolputt countertenor fixture of the Christmas season specialist Jan Willem de Vriend
Andrew Goodwin tenor although it was originally an Easter and a cast from Australia, Belgium
Benjamin Appl bass offering. Create your own Messiah and the UK.
MSO Chorus tradition with friends and family
and experience the genius of
Handel Messiah
Handel’s best known work each
year with MSO.
23You can also read
