Europe’s Finest To Dazzle Town Hall Audiences

Europe’s Finest To Dazzle Town Hall Audiences In Beethoven Series

The Splendour of Beethoven Series
8pm, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®

Splendour Concert One – Thursday, 26 June
Splendour Concert Two – Thursday, 3 July
Splendour Concert Three – Thursday, 10 July

When Maria Callas famously said “Beethoven must be played well, or not at all,” she may have been envisaging the incredible lineup of musicians performing at the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s eagerly awaited Splendour of Beethoven series – including piano sensation Bernd Glemser and violin prodigy Veronika Eberle.

From its repertoire of concertos, mighty symphonies and a dramatic concert aria, this anticipated series is set to dazzle even the most seasoned concertgoer. The three-concert event takes place at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®, from 26 June to 10 July.

Through the ages Beethoven has been a major draw card for orchestras, thanks to the composer’s ability to express the tumult of human emotions. It’s this quality that endears him to audiences – but is an equally daunting challenge for artists performing his works.

“Beethoven’s popularity can be a blessing and a curse for musicians”, says APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser. “On the one hand you witness audiences’ passion for his music, while on the other they can become jealously possessive of the works, trusting them only in the finest hands. Fortunately for us, they have nothing to fear in this series!”

For the first concert the baton is handed to former principal violist of the Berlin Philharmonic, maestro Wolfram Christ, who returns to Auckland following his lauded New Zealand debut in 2006. Christ is joined by piano sensation and recording artist Bernd Glemser, who performs the third piano concerto and the ‘Emperor’ concerto – a touchstone of the classical piano repertoire.

Glemser cemented his position in the critical limelight after the remarkable feat of carrying off top prizes in no less than 17 international competitions.

The series finale showcases the musicianship violin prodigy Veronika Eberle, who at 18-years-old had already debuted with the Berlin Philharmonic. Her performance prompted Berlin Philharmonic Principal Conductor Sir Simon Rattle to declare, “Veronika Eberle is one of the most extravagantly gifted young musicians I’ve heard. It’s possible she could become one of Europe’s most important artists.”

The young virtuoso performs Beethoven’s violin concerto under the baton of Swiss-born Baldur Brönnimann, known to Aucklanders from his electrifying performances of Mussorgsky and Brahms in the orchestra’s 2007 season.

“Having these talented artists performing Beethoven’s works together with the APO is a rare opportunity to focus in on the genius of Beethoven,” says Ms Glaser. “Each concert of the Splendour of Beethoven series is an immersive experience that will bring to audiences a new and closer understanding of this master composer.”

Single tickets to Splendour of Beethoven ($20-$95) are available from Ticketek, Ph 09 307 5139, www.ticketek.co.nz. Subscriptions to the all three-concert series are also available through the APO.

ENDS

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