A Cello Star And A Classic Love Story With The NZSO In June

Internationally acclaimed cellist Li-Wei Qin joins the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in June for an unforgettable concert experience, featuring music giants Samuel Barber and Sergei Prokofiev, and renowned Kiwi composer Kenneth Young.

Romeo & Juliet in Wellington (5 June), Palmerston North (9 June), Hastings (11 June) and Auckland (12 June) features the first NZSO performance of Barber’s intensely lyrical Cello Concerto and selections from Prokofiev’s dramatic masterpiece Romeo and Juliet.

Qin is in demand around the world as a soloist and chamber musician. The Chinese-born Australian virtuoso has performed twice at the BBC Proms, recorded Beethoven sonatas and major concertos, and appeared with leading orchestras across Europe, Asia, Australia and the United States.

Praised for a sound that is “incisive and searing, yet filled with tenderness” (Straits Times), Qin says he loves the cello for its versatility.

“It can portray the lovely, flighty melodies of the soprano, the throaty tenor, and the tension of the dramatic bass. It's wonderful as the soloist and the accompanist.”

Barber’s richly expressive Cello Concerto premiered to acclaim in 1947. It is known for being technically demanding for even the most experienced soloist.

Acclaimed Australian conductor Benjamin Northey also leads the NZSO for selections from Prokofiev’s groundbreaking and beloved ballet score. From the courtly grandeur of the irresistible Dance of the Knights to the circling, slicing energy of Death of Tybalt, with luminous melodies capturing the lovers’ enduring story. Since its 1938 premiere, it has become one of the most popular and performed classical works.

Opening the concert is Young’s sweetly nostalgic Douce Tristesse, described as a “drifting, Ravelian waltz” (New Zealand Herald).

Young, a former NZSO Principal Tuba and Conductor-in-Residence, is one of the New Zealand’s best-known and performed composers.

Maestro Northey is Chief Conductor of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Conductor-in-Residence of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Principal Conductor-in-Residence of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He’s recognised for work across the symphonic and operatic repertoire, and in 2025 was appointed Professor of Conducting at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Director of the Australian Conducting Academy.

ALSO COMING UP

Resurgence – Conductor James Judd. Hamilton (8 May) Tauranga (9 May)

Resurrection—DSO and NZSO Unite – Conductor James Judd. Dunedin (15 May)

Titan – Conductor Gemma New, Violinist James Ehnes. Wellington (22 May), Christchurch (24 May)

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