Medlyn and Mahler a fine combination

15 September 2005

Medlyn and Mahler a fine combination

“Helen Medlyn enchants in the fourth movement, floating Mahler's stirring words of simple faith over dark, translucent chorales, allowing herself just one moment of flamboyance when she throws her head back on the final ‘life’”. [NZ Herald]

“Helen Medlyn gives with passion, irony and a glorious voice. Her range is awesome, her charm and wit palpable.”(NZ Herald). Helen Medlyn is also a seasoned Mahlerian.

On Thursday 13 October, Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder, with Helen Medlyn as the soloist, forms the centrepiece of the Auckland Philharmonia’s Vero Premier Series concert. Kindertotenlieder (Songs on the Deaths of Children) is a heart-wrenching, yet uplifting song cycle based on five of German poet Friedrich Rückert’s 425 Kindertotenlieder poems.

“From the day I heard my sister sing Kindertotenlieder when she was studying singing at Auckland University, I have been overwhelmed by the potency of Mahler’s music.
When I began to bring more classical works into my own repertoire, I immersed myself in the power of Mahler’s craft and I have now had the privilege of interpreting some of this great composer’s works.
Mahler’s frequent collaboration with the poet Rückert has created, in my opinion, some of the most exquisite songs ever written – achingly beautiful, death-defyingly sparse, disturbingly moving.” – Helen Medlyn

Italian Marco Zuccarini conducts the concert which also features three of Mozart’s works: Linz Symphony, Magic Flute Overture, and Six German Dances; and Debussy’s famous Prélude à l’après midi d’un faune.

To complement the concert, the Auckland Philharmonia’s newly appointed Artistic Administrator and resident Mahler expert, Antony Ernst, gives the pre-concert talk.

AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA VERO PREMIER SERIES
Thursday 13 October – 8pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
Pre-concert talk (free to ticket holders) at 7pm in the stalls of the ASB Theatre
Bookings: phone the Ticketek Orchestra Hotline on (09) 307 5139 or visit www.ticketek.co.nz

The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

ENDS

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