Penrith Symphony Orchestra presents two of the greatest works from the Romantic era, in the much-anticipated opening of the ensemble’s Symphonic Series on Saturday, March 23.
Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and César Franck’s Symphony in D minor need no introduction, occupying a place amongst the most enduring of audience favourites. There’s a world premiere too, with the unveiling of a new work by the winner of PSO’s young composer prize.
Young up-and-coming artist, Isaac Davis, joins PSO to perform Dvořák’s much-loved Cello Concerto. One of the great concertos for any instrument, the work showcases soloist and orchestra alike with its unequalled melodic lyricism.
Davis began playing cello at the age of six and is currently in Year 12 at the Conservatorium High School. He is already making his mark on the music scene, winning various eisteddfods and competitions, including the 2018 St George Eisteddfod open age string concerto section. In 2016 and 2018 he was a semi-finalist in the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra Concerto Competition.
Premiering in this concert, Scarlet Sculptures is a new composition created by the recipient of the PSO young composer prize for 2019, Naomi Dodd. An emerging artist, Dodd is currently completing a Bachelor of Music Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has written works for the Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic, Ensemble Onsombl and the Conservatorium Modern Music Ensemble.
She said: “Scarlet Sculptures is a piece born from a desire to make the audience ‘feel’ the music as well as hear it. When I was writing it I could imagine visuals vividly, the work creates dramatic and intense sound sculptures for the audience to experience, hence the title.”
The evening’s performance will culminate in Franck’s final major work and only symphony. Completed in 1888 and conceived on a grand scale, the symphony triumphantly interweaves the French and Germanic styles of the day in a work of great colour and imagination. The composer himself said of the work: ”The essence of the entire score is music continuously revisited, transformed and in the process reborn.”
The performance will be conducted by Paul Terracini and begins at 8pm on Saturday, March 23, at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith. You can also enjoy a fun, informative and free pre-concert talk by the conductor at 7.20pm.
There’s more wonderful music from PSO throughout the year, with highlights such as Sibelius’ magnificent Violin Concerto, a concert performance of Bizet’s smash-hit opera Carmen or the magic of Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Suite.
See more of your favorite music with PSO for less. Take advantage of generous discounts with subscription packages still available.
Book now at the box office of The Joan, online at www.thejoan.com.au or call 4723 7600. Tickets will be available at the door, but seats are selling fast for this performance, so get your tickets now.
