TV ONE Presents LUDWIG! A Feast Of Beethoven

He was deaf... he was quarrelsome... and he was a raging genius. He was LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will celebrate, in June, one of the most celebrated composers of all time - Ludwig van Beethoven, in two spectacular programmes of his powerful music.

On the podium will be NZSO Music Director, James Judd introducing award-winning pianist, Jean Louis Steuerman for performances in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and the opening of the concert season in Dunedin.

As part of the Great Classics series, the orchestra will present one of New Zealand's best, Jenny McLeod's lively Little Symphony. This is followed by two of Beethoven's most admired works; the famous and heroic 'Emperor' Piano Concerto, and the popular favourite, Symphony No 7 - the last piece Beethoven conducted as hearing failure soon ended his career as a performer.

The second programme, part of the Great Orchestra series, presents Beethoven's lyrical yet majestic piano concerto, Piano Concerto No 4. This is followed by the exhilarating Symphony No 9, including the glorious Ode to joy' - traditionally performed at significant historical events. In recent times it was performed to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall. Part Symphony, part choral, for its premiere performance Beethoven received the loudest applause in living memory.

This symphony also features four of New Zealand's favourite soloists; Patricia Wright, Helen Medlyn, Patrick Power and Rodney Macann, alongside the regional choirs of Auckland , Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

James Judd was appointed the NZSO's first Music Director in 1999. In 2000 he conducted the NZSO for Concert Season 2000, Kiri Te Kanawa for the Gisborne Millennium Concert, the NZSO at the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival, and made a number of recordings including Sinfonia Antartica. Judd is also Music Director of the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra and a sought-after guest conductor of leading world orchestras. He first visited New Zealand in 1998 and was an instant success with audiences.

Brazilian pianist Jean Louis Steuerman quickly gained recognition as a soloist and recitalist after winning the 1972 JS Bach Competition and has since appeared with many leading orchestras. He has a wide repertoire that encompasses recital and chamber music works as well as an extensive award-winning discography. This is his first visit to New Zealand.

PROGRAMME

Great Classics
One of New Zealand's best, and two of Beethoven's most popular works.
JUNE Friday 8, 6.30pm, Michael Fowler Centre WELLINGTON
JUNE Thursday 14, 8pm, Founders Theatre HAMILTON
JUNE Friday 15, 6.30pm, Auckland Town Hall AUCKLAND
JUNE Friday 22, 6.30pm, Dunedin Town Hall DUNEDIN

James Judd conductor
Jean Louis Steuerman piano

JENNY McLEOD Little Symphony
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No 5 'Emperor'
BEETHOVEN Symphony No 7

Great Orchestra
Beethoven's most lyrical piano concerto and the great 'Ode to Joy'.
JUNE Saturday 9, 8pm, Michael Fowler Centre WELLINGTON*
JUNE Saturday 16, 8pm, Auckland Town Hall AUCKLAND*
JUNE Thursday 21, 8pm, Christchurch Town Hall CHRISTCHURCH*
JUNE Saturday 23, 8pm, Dunedin Town Hall DUNEDIN*

James Judd conductor
Jean Louis Steuerman piano
Patricia Wright soprano
Helen Medlyn mezzo soprano
Patrick Power tenor
Rodney Macann bass
Auckland Choral Society, Orpheus Choir of Wellington, Christchurch City
Choir, City of Dunedin Choir
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No 4
BEETHOVEN Symphony No 9 'Choral'
*Free Pre-concert talk: " Beethoven as seen by modern composers"
AUCKLAND 7.15pm Concert Chamber
WELLINGTON 7.15pm Ilott Concert Chamber
CHRISTCHURCH 7.15pm Limes Room
DUNEDIN 7.15pm Fullwood Room

NEW ZEALAND CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

A feast of Beethoven introduced by an outstanding New Zealand work.
JUNE Tuesday 19, 8.00pm, Opera House WELLINGTON

Jean Louis Steuerman piano
Donald Armstrong violin
Allan Chisholm cello

ANTHONY WATSON Prelude & Allegro for String Orchestra
BEETHOVEN Grosse Fugue Op 133 arr Armstrong
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No 1
BEETHOVEN Concerto in C 'Triple'

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