Shed Series - Cadence: CANCELLED

Gemma New, Conductor

Brahms orch. Parlow, Hungarian Dance No. 5 & 6
Stravinsky, Danses Concertantes
Maria Grenfell, Clockwerk
WA Mozart, Idomeneo Ballet Music

New Zealand conductor Gemma New leads the NZSO in a concert full of rhythm and dance.

Originally written for piano, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances evokes the spirit of the travelling gypsy bands that served as the inspiration for this music, while Schulhoff’s Suite für Kammerorchester is reminiscent of 1920’s jazz.

Acclaimed cellist Johannes Moser brings something different to his performance as he presents a solo work for electric cello, an instrument that allows him to add new textures and effects to his performance.

Stravinsky originally wrote Danses Concertantes for the concert hall, but it wouldn’t feel out of place as a ballet. The rhythms, syncopation and structure of the piece led to it being choreographed several times, first in 1944 by acclaimed choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet, George Balanchine.

Clockwerk, with its fugal structure, introduces the different string sections of the Orchestra. The feeling of the work changes often before ending on a driving, accelerating end.

Written when he was just 24, Idomeneo is considered one of Mozart’s first great operas. Dance was a large part of opera at the time and the selection of works performed from this opera shows the young genius’ talent as a composer and adaptability to the style.