A Jubilee Concert in the Michael Fowler Centre to celebrate 75 years since the NZSO’s first concert on 6 March 1947.
NZSO whānau on stage at the 75th Jubilee Concert Photo: NZSO/Latitude Creative
Gemma New, NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor, conducts music chosen by NZSO fans from across Aotearoa, together with works showcasing the superb soloists from within the NZSO and music by NZ Composers.
Performed by musicians and support staff of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Manawakura is a new waiata composed by Kahli Meari Materoa and members of the NZSO.
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Composer Salina Fisher Photo: Supplied
For quite some time, the beauty and chaos of Wellington rain has inspired me to respond musically. ‘Rainphase’ draws on characteristics of water as rain: its shape and shapelessness, transparency and density, energy and calm, and its capacity for reflection in both a literal and emotional sense.
Structurally, it flows through various stages of this “phase” in the water cycle: last rays diminishing as grey clouds form; droplets released; a frenzy of water and wind; all collecting in streams. I’m particularly fascinated by the variation in sound and movement of raindrops depending on the material upon which they fall, and the texture created when these countless individual timbres and rhythms happen all at once.
The ending evokes a memorable moment of obscure beauty that I experienced on a still night in winter. Heavy rain had transformed empty streets into blurry mirrors, reflecting warm glows of street and traffic lights. (Salina Fisher)
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
This short, buoyant overture makes an irresistible curtain-raiser. Shostakovich composed it in 1954 for a concert at the Bolshoi Theatre celebrating the thirty-seventh anniversary of the October Revolution.
Performed by Bridget Douglas (flute) with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Bridget Douglas performing in NZSO Photo: Stephen A'Court
The second of three flute concertos commissioned by a wealthy amateur flutist Ferdinand de Jean. For this second concert Mozart recycled parts of an earlier oboe concerto.
Dunedin-born Principal Flute, Bridget Douglas joined the NZSO in 1997.
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol is a fantasy on Spanish themes that glitters with dazzling orchestral colour. The whole orchestra contribute their special effects to recreating the Spanish countryside with solo opportunities for many instruments to shine.
- Historical footage of Anderson Tyrer and the National Orchestra in 1947
- Video NZSO 1974 Australia Tour
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Anthony Ritchie Photo: Gareth Watkins / Lilburn Trust / Wallace Arts Trust
In 1995 I was approached by the NZSO to write an overture to commemorate the recent death of New Zealand's most famous war hero, Sir Charles Upham. Upham was famous for having won the Victoria Cross twice for bravery during World War II. He was, however, extremely modest when it came to discussing his achievements. Some years before his death it was suggested to Upham that he have a state funeral; he simply replied, "A bugle will do". This comment seemed like a good starting point for my piece.
There are no bugles in the orchestra, but the opening section depicting the horrors of battle contains plenty of brass. (Anthony Ritchie)
Performed by Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin) with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Vesa-Matti Leppänen playing Sibelius' Violin Concerto with NZSO Photo: NZSO/Latitude Creative
Sibelius longed to be a violin virtuoso but lacked neither the temperament nor talent for a career on the stage. In his violin concerto, Sibelius poured both his feeling for the instrument and the pain of farewelling his “dearest wish” and “overriding ambition.”
Vesa-Matti Leppänen joined the NZSO in 2000 and became its Concert Master in 2003. He relishes the opportunity to perform this music from his homeland.
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
One of Tchaikovsky’s best-know waltzes is a classic in the ballet repertory. This perennial favourite was chosen by NZSO fans.
Gemma New conducting NZSO in Ravel's Bolero at the 75th Jubilee Concert Photo: NZSO/Latitude Creative
Performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gemma New.
Maurice Ravel was quite self-disparaging about his most popular work. He told composer Arthur Honegger, “I’ve written only one masterpiece – Bolero. Unfortunately it has no music in it.” He also described Bolero as “orchestral tissue without music”.
The snare drum provides the pulse for this sultry Spanish dance repeating an ostinato pattern 169 times. Ravel’s slow, steady crescendo builds to a thrilling climax with virtually every instrument in the orchestra having a turn at the theme.
Recorded 9 September 2022, Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ Concert
Producer: David McCaw
Sound Engineer: Darryl Stack
Presenter: Clarissa Dunn
