Southern Sinfonia 2012 Concert Programme

The Topp Twins and Southern Sinfonia

in association with Anderson Lloyd Lawyers

Saturday 16 June 2012, 7:30 pm Regent Theatre

The Topp Twins and Southern Sinfonia, conducted by Kenneth Young, are teaming up to showcase a mixed musical programme of popular light classical music with many of the Topp Twins' unique and well-loved songs and several of their iconic characters. For something different, join the Southern Sinfonia and The Topp Twins for this special occasion and enjoy a unique concert that encapsulates true Kiwi character... "fun-loving personalities with a gift for rousing original songs…."
[The New York Times, May 12, 2011]

Tickets are now on sale from TicketDirect!

Romantic Grandeur: Brahms & Sibelius

International Series One

Saturday 24 March 2012, 8:00 pm Regent Theatre

Hamish McKeich, Conductor, Diedre Irons, Piano

Programme:
  Lilburn: Drysdale Overture
  Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2
  Sibelius: Symphony No. 5

Brahms' music contains passion, power, excitement and grandeur. These qualities are clearly displayed in his Second Piano Concerto, a tour de force of symphonic proportions which makes huge demands on the soloist's stamina. Wellington-based pianist Diedre Irons' triumphant recent performance of this concerto was described as having "breadth and beauty".

Sibelius' Fifth Symphony, one of his best-known works, culminates in the final movement's 'swan theme', suggested to this Finnish composer by the sight and sound of swans circling above in the haze of early spring sunshine.

Conductor Hamish McKeich is an immensely versatile conductor who has forged an impressive international career. Based in Wellington, he conducts all New Zealand's and Australia's major orchestras, as well as conducting in Europe and the Middle East.

Wind Power

Matinee Series One

Saturday 5 May 2012, 5:00 pm King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre

Sunday 6 May 2012, 3:00 pm King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre

Benjamin Northey, Conductor, Luca Manghi, Flute, and Nicholas Cornish, Oboe.

Programme:
  Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3
  Mozart: Oboe Concerto
  Nielsen: Flute Concerto
  Schubert: Symphony No. 5

Wind Power showcases the technical and musical prowess of two Sinfonia Principal woodwind players. Luca Manghi performs the Flute Concerto by Carl Nielsen, the most notable Danish composer of the early 20th century, and Nicholas Cornish the Oboe Concerto by Mozart.

Benjamin Northey, whom the Melbourne Age describes as "a born conductor who revels in his work", makes his first appearance with the Sinfonia. After graduating from the Symphony Australia Conductor Development Program, he studied in Finland and Sweden, followed by mentorships with the London Philharmonic and Philharmonia orchestras. He conducts major orchestras in Australia, New Zealand, London and Hong Kong, and is Associate Conductor at the Melbourne Symphony.

Bold as Brass

Matinee Series Two

Saturday 30 June 2012, 5:00 pm King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre

Sunday 1 July 2011, 3:00 pm King's and Queen's Performing Arts Centre

Dane Lam, Conductor and Sarah Wilson, Trumpet

Programme:
  Handel: Royal Fireworks Music
  Haydn: Trumpet Concerto
  Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 Eroica

The addition in 1793 of keys to the trumpet allowed the playing of consecutive notes in the instrument's lower register, opening up a new world for composers. In his concerto, which brims with musical inventiveness, Haydn exploited this innovation to the full.

After study at Auckland University, soloist Sarah Wilson gained a Masters with distinction in performance at Trinity College of Music, London. Currently Section Principal Trumpet of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, she divides her time between orchestral, soloist and teaching engagements.

Dane Lam is acclaimed as "one of the most talented young conductors Australia has produced". The first half of 2012 sees him conduct in Sapporo (Japan), in France as assistant to Kurt Masur, and in England, before travelling to New Zealand.

Elgar's Enigma Variations

International Series Two

Saturday 21 July 2012, 8:00 pm Regent Theatre

Brett Kelly, Conductor, Jack Liebeck, Violin

Programme:
  Sibelius: Finlandia
  Dvorak: Violin Concerto
  Elgar: Enigma Variations

Melbourne-based conductor Brett Kelly returns to conduct Elgar's Enigma Variations, a firm favourite in the world's concert halls. Interestingly, it was this work that truly cemented Elgar's reputation as a composer. Elgar described the work's 13 variations as depicting "friends pictured within", with Elgar including himself for the finale. The music is typical of Elgar's style: from pomp and swagger, to heartfelt delicacy.

Violin soloist Jack Liebeck is now well-established as one of the world's leading young violinists. The list of orchestras and artists he has worked with reads as a who's who of today's classical music. Of his recording of Dvorak's Concerto, The Telegraph stated: "a musician of exceptional gifts, blessed with a glorious mellifluous tone and interpretative insight. This is wondrous playing of the most compelling sort."

Tales of Ice & Fire

International Series Three

Saturday 8 September 2012, 8:00 pm Regent Theatre

Simon Over, Conductor, Jenny Wollerman, Soprano, James Rodgers, Tenor, Robert Tucker, Baritone, and City of Dunedin Choir

Programme:
  John Drummond: The Journey Home (World première)
  Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien
  Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite (1919)

The Journey Home tells the tale of Scott's ill-fated Antarctic expedition, and this performance marks the tragedy's centenary.

Texts are by Jeremy Commons, Claire Benyon, Bill Manhire, Chris Orsman, and from the Book of Common Prayer.

Jenny Wollerman is acknowledged for her exquisite tone and compelling performances; James Rodgers, from Wellington, now based in New York, returns after his highly-praised 2009 Haydn performance with us, and Robert Tucker returns from Scottish Opera success.

London-based Simon Over will conduct Stravinsky's Firebird Suite, drawn from the music for Diaghilev's sensational ballet. Based on a Russian folktale, it recounts the battle between the magical Firebird and a demon. Tchaikovsky's Capriccio Italien recalls sunny climes, Italian folk music and street songs.

Southern Sinfonia in a Supporting Role

Gilbert and Sullivan: The Grand Duke

4-10 August 2012, Mayfair Theatre

The Really Authentic Gilbert and Sullivan Performance Trust (RAGSPT) is presenting the entire G&S repertoire in chronological order over the 11-year period 2002-2012. In August 2012 the thirteenth opera, The Grand Duke, is scheduled for performance with an exciting cast. At some performances G&S's short first operetta, Trial By Jury, will also be staged as a curtain-raiser.

The final season of the RAGSPT's 11-year project will be staged at the Mayfair Theatre, Dunedin, with the Southern Sinfonia in the pit.

Tickets are on sale now, at the Regent Ticket Office or online at TicketDirect.