Weber's Oberon Overture opens the concert with brilliant orchestral writing, introducing a world of adventure and fantasy with energy and style.
Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is one of the composer's most popular works for piano and orchestra. Built on Paganini's famous Caprice No. 24, its 24 variations range from virtuosity to lyrical beauty, including the celebrated 18th Variation. The soloist will be 16-year old Shan Liu, who studies under Stephen de Pledge - he made history as the youngest-ever winner of NZ's National Concerto Competition and the National Junior Piano Competition.
Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919) brings the concert to a powerful close. Drawn from his groundbreaking ballet, the suite combines vivid orchestral colours, rhythmic vitality, and some of the most striking music of the twentieth century, culminating in a thrilling finale.
From Weber's classical elegance to Rachmaninov's lyrical invention and Stravinsky's bold orchestral sound, this programme highlights three distinctive masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences.
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