Sunday Afternoon Concert - Auckland Youth Orchestra

Thames Music Group is proud to present the AYO in the beautiful 150yr old Gothic style St Georges Church.
WHO Auckland Youth Orchestra
Conductor: Antun Poljanich
Soloist: Charles Sang (piano)

Experience the thrill of 75 talented young musicians (ages 14-26)
performing together with energy, precision and passion!
The Auckland Youth Orchestra presents an exciting symphony concert series.

On The Programme -
Smetana - Vltava (The Moldau)
Dvorak - Slavonic Dance No.2 in Emin, Op.72
Strauss - Till Eulenspiegel
Jenny McLeod - Rock Concerto (soloist: Charles Sang, piano)

The programme opens with two gloriously romantic and melodic works:
Smetana’s much-loved tone poem “Vltava” depicts the flow of the Czech river from its source in the Bohemian Forest through to its triumphant entry into Prague and flowing on out into the Elbe River; and

Dvorak’s 2nd Slavonic Dance reflects Czech folk music traditions, with its pathos and joy.

Next up is a rare performance of NZ composer Jenny McLeod’s exciting  “Rock Concerto” featuring an interesting range of percussion instruments and Charles Sang on the piano.  Charles has won many awards and competitions and currently studies piano under Rae de Lisle.

To close the programme, enjoy Richard Strauss’ tone poem “Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks”, which depicts the misadventures of a legendary prankster - a fun, cheeky and thoroughly delightful work! 

The Artists
Soloist Charles Sang began playing the piano at the age of seven and is currently studying under Rae de Lisle. He has participated in numerous competitions and performances, obtaining many awards and gaining multiple IRMTNZ scholarships.

In competitions, Charles was placed 1st in the International NZ Young Talent Music Competition, was a finalist at the MAP International Music Competition, was awarded 2nd place at the NZ Young Artists Festival Piano Concerto Competition, and also participated in the Zhuhai International Mozart Music Competition.
Charles is also very active in chamber music, with his chamber ensemble winning 1st place in NZCT chamber music competition in 2023. Charles is in his final year at Saint Kentigern College.

Music Director Antun Poljanich was born in Croatia, studying piano and theory at Dubrovnik School for Musical Education and conducting at the University of Ljubljana. Following post-graduate studies in Austria, he won a scholarship which took him to Leningrad for a three-year Master Course in Conducting at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.
Antun has since worked with the Leningrad State Symphony Orchestra, the Veneto Philharmonia, the Slovene and Croatian National Orchestras and other prominent orchestras in Russia and Europe.

Auckland Youth Orchestra (est. 1948)
AYO is a full symphony orchestra comprised of 75 of Auckland's most talented young musicians (ages 14-26).
AYO has been training young people in the skills of orchestral playing for over 75 years. Many players go on to develop careers as professional musicians - don't miss this experience!
For an interview with Conductor Antun Poljanich please email antunpoljanich@gmail.com

For more information or photos please contact the Orchestra Manager, Mary Lin manager@ayo.org.nz