Tales of the '20s

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.