I Musici: Serenata Italiana

Our 2012 season is launched in grand style with one of the best-known ensembles in the world on their first ever visit to New Zealand, I Musici from Rome, Italy.

Their 1955 recording of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons sold more than 25 million copies, making it one of the most famous recordings of the classical music repertoire.

In 2012, I Musici celebrates its 60th anniversary with a world tour, including performances in Asia, North and South America, Russia and Europe. Immediately following the New Zealand tour, the ensemble returns to Italy to perform a 60th anniversary concert at the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome.

In this special programme for New Zealand, I Musici takes audiences on a journey of the Italian serenade, with music by Rossini, Respighi, Paganini, and film composer Nino Rota ('The Godfather'). Featuring string playing that is both pulsing with energy and delicately sweet, this programme will leave you exhilarated!

“In every style [I Musici] bring the essential impulse of life… The result is playing of verve, stylistic purity and impeccable artistry.” - The New York Times

Programme:
Rossini | Sonata a quattro No 1 in G
Rossini | Une Larme: Theme and variations for cello and strings
Donizetti | Allegro in C for strings
Paganini | Il Carnevale di Venezia, theme and variations for violin and strings
Bossi | 3 Intermezzi Goldoniani, Opus 127
Respighi | Aria for strings
Rota | Concerto for strings (written for I Musici)
Bacalov | Concerto Grosso for I Musici’s 60th anniversary