Penrith Symphony Orchestra closes their 2018 symphonic season on a high, with a concert presenting two of the most popular classical works ever written. A fitting climax in the orchestras 30th anniversary season, on Saturday, November 10, Dvorak’s Symphony no. 9, ‘From the New World’ will feature alongside Brahms’ monumental Piano Concerto no. 1.
Dvorak’s much-loved work was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and completed in 1893 while the composer was living in America. The work is evocative of both the composer’s European homeland and the wide-open spaces of the American landscape that inspired it. The enduring appeal of this masterpiece is abundantly apparent in the many memorable themes and inspired orchestral writing.
Dvorak, speaking of the influence of American sounds in his writing: “In the melodies of America I discover all that is needed for a great and noble school of music. They are tender, passionate, melancholy, solemn, religious, bold, merry, gay or what you will. It is music that suits itself to any mood or any purpose.”
Sadaharu Muramatsu, or “Sada” as he is known to the musicians, makes a welcome return to PSO to lead the orchestra in this wonderful concert. Completing a Masters of Music in Conducting at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK, he continued his studies in Australia at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and currently holds the positions of Lecturer in Conducting at Excelsia College, Choirmaster of Willoughby Symphony Choir, and Musical Director of Strathfield Symphony.
Brahms was only twenty-five when he completed his Piano Concerto no. 1 in 1858, and it was his first performed orchestral work. Achieving almost immediate success, the writing is that of a mature composer; noted for its scale and grandeur, and subsequently recognised as a masterpiece. The concerto foreshadows Brahms later symphonic output and occupies a rightful place amongst the great concertos.
PSO places great emphasis on championing and providing opportunities for young and emerging musicians, so it is with great excitement that pianist Andrei Hadap makes his orchestral debut as soloist in the Brahms concerto. Andrei won the 2017 Conservatorium High School Concerto Competition and is currently completing a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has also participated in masterclasses across Europe and is active as a composer as well as a performer.
The performance begins at 8pm on Saturday 10 November, at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith. There is also a free pre-concert talk by the conductor at 7.20pm.
Book now at the box office of The Joan, online at www.thejoan.com.au, or call 02 4723 7600. Tickets will be available at the door, but seats are selling fast for this performance, so get your tickets now.