Edo de Waart continues Masterworks series

6 July 2016

Edo de Waart continues Masterworks series with two exciting programmes in July

The NZSO continues its exciting series of Masterworks in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin with acclaimed Music Director Edo de Waart.

This time, the Orchestra presents music by Escher, Mozart, Strauss and Haydn in two separate tours featuring works which are core repertoire for a reason. In the words of Maestro de Waart, “they flawlessly distil in music how it feels to be alive”.

In both tours - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin:

The NZSO is delighted to welcome Samuel Jacobs back to the Orchestra as the Principal Section Horn player from 2017. Most recently, Jacobs has been Principal French Horn in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, following a period as Principal French Horn in the NZSO from 2012-14.

This performance of Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 will showcase his extraordinary ability and supreme musicianship.

The best part about this piece is that it’s the perfect format to display Mozart’s lyrical genius alongside his sense of humour.

Samuel Jacobs, French Horn

Mozart & Strauss - Auckland and Wellington:

Known for his love of Strauss, Edo de Waart has chosen the composer’s spirited celebration of the everyday Sinfonia Domestica, both a humorous and serious portrayal of domestic bliss with Mum, Dad and baby.

I am sure that if the phone book had existed in Strauss’ day, he would’ve been able to orchestrate it perfectly. Strauss finds themes and plays around with them like frolicking dolphins and at other times, knits things together seamlessly. He was simply incredible.

Maestro de Waart

The concert opens with Dutch composer Escher’s Musique pour l’esprit en deuil or Music for the Spirit in Mourning. Composed when Escher, a communist, was in hiding during the Second World War, this thrilling score is a poignant insight into the world of a war composer. It holds a special place in Maestro de Waart’s heart, having been composed by a fellow Dutch musician.

Haydn & Mozart - Christchurch and Dunedin:

Edo de Waart has chosen one of Mozart’s most famous works for his concerts in Christchurch and Dunedin, his Symphony No. 40. Dubbed ‘the Great’, it is mysterious, dramatic and emotionally complex.

The concert opens with another theatrical symphony, Haydn’s Symphony No. 100. The symphony’s nickname - ‘Military’ - was inspired by its prominent use of percussion and brass. Such a heavy presence of military instruments was partly inspired by the 18th-century vogue for ‘Turkish’ percussion instruments such as the triangle, cymbal and bass drum. By using percussion and brass, Haydn could compose music that was playful and also occasionally shocking.

Unlike Mozart, Haydn never composed any major operas, he spent most of his time with symphonic and chamber music, so it’s important to find the spirit of his music because you don’t have the assistance of text. Symphony orchestras usually find Haydn very tricky, but it is essential for an orchestra to be able to play it. It’s where we come from.

Maestro de Waart, 2016

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Enjoy these inspiring concerts of Masterworks, conducted by the NZSO’s acclaimed Music Director Edo de Waart,in association with the New Zealand Listener.

Edo de Waart
Edo de Waart is currently Chief Conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Music Director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Conductor Laureate of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. He has previously been Music Director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Sydney Symphony and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He was also Chief Conductor of De Nederlandse Opera.

The NZSO’s attention to detail was evident as Maestro de Waart heralded in a new era, which opened with a stunning performance.

Andrew Buchanan-Smart, Waikato Times, Brahms & Beethoven, April 2016

More about Maestro Edo de Waart >

ENDS

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