Bruce Mason Centre: Sibelius, Nielsen, Glass

The Orchestra – Energy, Precision, Passion

The Music – Quirky, Delightful, Magnificent

Philip Glass – Symphony for Eight (Cellos)
An unusual sight at a symphony concert – just eight cellos on the stage! This short, rhythmic work is in fact the 3rd movement of Glass’ third symphony, recreated as a cello octet.

Nielsen – Concerto for Flute (soloist: Alina Chen)
This delightful work, written by Denmark’s most important composer, is performed by 18-year-old Alina Chen who was a soloist in the 2023 NZSO Young Artists Showcase and the winner of the 2023 AYO Soloist Competition.

Sibelius – Symphony No.2
The concert presents music not only from Denmark’s greatest composer, but also Finland’s – Sibelius! This famous symphony received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception at its 1902 premiere and has become the most-recorded of Sibelius’ works.