APO Pays Tribute To A Great In Season Opener

APO Pays Tribute To A Great In Season Opener

The Titan – APN News & Media Premier Series, Concert 1

A tribute to one of the great composers launches the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2011 season.

To mark 100 years since Mahler’s death, the APO is performing the composer’s magnificent first symphony, ‘Titan’, in the opening concert of the APN News & Media Premier Series on 17 February.

Inspired by the sounds of nature and featuring an enormous number of instruments – including seven horns – this is arguably Mahler’s most dynamic symphony.

As befits both the work and occasion, APO Music Director Eckehard Stier leads the orchestra.

Mahler is a composer particularly close to Maestro Stier’s heart, and he is especially proud to be performing ‘Titan’ with the APO.

“Mahler’s heroic symphony, epic and impressive, is hard to beat,” he says.

An evening of expressive and dramatic music begins with the world premiere of Tarantismo, a new work by the APO’s Composer-In-Residence, John Psathas.

“It’s grown from another piece which I wrote for piano, but with added dynamite,” he says. “It will push the players and take them out of their comfort zones.”

Canteloube’s passionate songs from the landscapes of the Auvergne complete the programme.

Chants d’Auvergne (Songs of the Auvergne), including the beautiful ‘Baïlero’, will feature Australian soprano Sara Macliver, who last performed with the APO in 2009 as a soloist in Haydn’s The Creation.

What: APN News & Media Premier Series: The Titan
When: Thursday 17 February, 8:00pm
Where: Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE
Book: THE EDGE 09 357 3355 or www.buytickets.co.nz

Sara Macliver
- Is one of Australia’s most popular and versatile singers.
- Records for ABC Classics, and has more than 30 CDs and many awards to her credit.
- Holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Western Australia.

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