BOP Symphonia - Storm and Stillness

Join Bay of Plenty Symphonia for works of rage and calm in their last orchestral outing of 2024: Storm and Stillness.

Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture was inspired by his visit to the remote islands to the North of Scotland.

This work captures the impression of the waves of the Atlantic crashing against basalt pillars, with seagulls crying overhead and storms passing through.

A month after the end of World War II, the 81-year-old Richard Strauss was inspired by a young American soldier to write his nostalgically elegant Oboe Concerto, a reflection of the calm that followed those horrific years of war. Bringing this masterpiece to life with us is Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Principal Oboe, Bede Hanley, whose virtuosity has taken him around the world, teaching and playing in North and South America, Europe, and Australasia.

Barber’s Adagio for Strings has a special place as a piece that speaks to people where words fail – it has been played in public to commemorate many events of public grief, including the funerals of Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, following the September 11 attacks, and many others.

Then a completely different work of “storm and stillness” – Schubert’s Symphony no. 3, written in a year of furious activity. While teaching fulltime, he composed over 200 works. Expect a work bubbling over with Italianate sparkle which challenges formal expectations with youthful charm. It will be a fine way to sign off for the year and usher in the summer season.

STORM AND STILLNESS, conducted by William McElwee is on Sunday 24 November 3.00 pm at Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd, Tauranga.