Auckland Youth Orchestra – Harlequin

Experience the thrill of 75 talented young musicians (ages 16-26), conducted by Antun Poljanich, performing together with energy, precision, and passion!

Farquhar:  Harlequin Overture

The concert opens with this short work, composed in 1959 by NZ composer David Farquhar.   Enjoy the mischievous and melodic music. 

Ravel:  Piano Concerto No.1 in G – Soloist: Madeleine Xiao

Light-hearted and brilliant, the work opens with a percussionist releasing the wound‑up spring of the slapstick.  Surprises continue with hints of the blues permeating the first movement. Hear seventeen-year-old Madeleine Xiao who is studying piano under Rae de Lisle at the University of Auckland.

Shostakovich - Symphony No.9

Everyone was expecting a triumphant, victorious composition to glorify Stalin’s regime when this was written in 1945, but Shostakovich, who had been terrorised by that regime, risked everything by producing something quite different.  He managed to weather this storm politically, but he would not compose another symphony until after Stalin died!

We acknowledge the generous support of the Lodge of the Liberal Arts and Creative Communities NZ in being able to present this free concert.

Child Policy: Recommended 8+ years.