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.