Dates
Thursday 02 November 2023
7:30pm at Melbourne Town Hall
Friday 03 November 2023
7:30pm at Robert Blackwood Hall
Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Berta Brozgul piano*
Program
Respighi Fountains of Rome
Bartók Piano Concerto No.2*
Shostakovich Symphony No.5
About this performance
A brilliant concert for newcomers and classical buffs alike, Benjamin Northey conducts this program featuring the lush beauty of Respighi, the thrilling brass of Shostakovich, and the extraordinary talent of pianist Berta Brozgul. Join us to commemorate Ben’s 20th consecutive year of conducting the MSO at this celebratory performance!
- Respighi’s symphonic poem – also known as a tone poem – Fountains of Rome, paints a musical picture of four of Rome’s great fountains at different times of day. Experience the pastoral Valle Giulia at dawn, the morning summoning of mythical creatures at the Triton, the iconic Trevi at mid-day, and the sunset colours of the fountain of the Villa Medici.
- Berta Brozgul takes on the solo role for Bartok's notoriously difficult Second Piano Concerto. This work is full of the orchestral colours Bartok is known for, including a dramatic duel between the piano and timpani.
- In 1936, the Russian publication Pravda condemned Shostakovich’s highly provocative opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District – criticism that threatened not only his career, but also his life. His Fifth Symphony was written directly in response to this criticism, in what was to be one of several times throughout his life that he sought to make amends with Soviet leaders. Rumours swirl around this work – including a prominent opinion that its finale paints a satirical portrait of Stalin as a leader of hollow, bombastic showmanship.
Duration: approx. 2 hours including interval
*Please note: due to unforeseen circumstances, saxophonist Amy Dickson is no longer able to perform Matthew Hindson's Concerto for Soprano Saxophone and Orchestra. In her absence, pianist Berta Brozgul will perform Bartók's Piano Concerto No.2.
Listen to Fountains of Rome now
Free Organ Recital
Melbourne Town Hall
2 November at 6.30pm
Arrive early to enjoy a recital performed by Calvin Bowman on the mighty Grand Organ, free for ticket holders.
