Vector Wellington Orchestra Presents 1710 - Organ Symphony

A feast of French music dominates this concert from its magnificently strutting Baroque overture to its thrilling finale, Saint-Saëns’ popular Organ Symphony, powered by the glorious Town Hall organ. Saint-Saëns said of his symphony, "I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again." The result is one of the peaks of French Romantic music, a tapestry of beautiful melodies that build towards an earth-shattering climax as the organ enters with the final unforgettable theme. Wellington City Organist Douglas Mews will do the honours for that tremendous moment.

The concert opens with an overture by the 18th-century French composer, Rameau. It’s a delightful concoction of string flourishes and joyfully trilling horns and trumpets. In a similarly boisterous vein comes a harpsichord concerto from JS Bach’s oldest son, Wilhelm Friedemann. Born in 1710, WF Bach was regarded by his contemporaries as the most promising Bach son.

More harpsichord music resumes the French theme of this concert in Poulenc’s Concert Champetre. This chamber concerto glitters with modern wit and colour, as well as casting an affectionate glance back to the Baroque era.

This exciting concert is a fitting finale to the VWO’s season, says Music Director Marc Taddei. “Through this celebration of musical anniversaries the VWO has presented the widest variety of orchestral music in New Zealand,” Taddei says.

“The VWO is proud to present the finest in New Zealand talent, from the John Psathas premiere that opened our season, through to championing our soloist for our final concert - Donald Nicholson. Donald is a phenomenally gifted musician and it is with great delight that the VWO presents him in his debut concerto performances.”

Harpsichordist, organist and pianist, Donald Nicolson seems to be everywhere, whether playing as part of New Zealand’s symphony orchestras, exploring new music with contemporary ensembles, accompanying other soloists or most importantly, performing the early music he specializes in. This concert is a rare opportunity to hear Nicolson as a soloist.

Rameau – Overture from Le Temple de la Gloire
WF Bach – Harpsichord Concerto in D Major, F.41
Poulenc – Harpsichord Concerto "Concert Champêtre"
Saint-Saëns – Symphony No 3 in C minor, "Organ"

Marc Taddei – conductor
Donald Nicolson – harpsichord
Douglas Mews – organ

Event listed by VWOadmin

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