NZSO 2024
From the world premieres of works by two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s greatest composers to the exciting debuts of a host of international stars, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra brings an unforgettable selection of music experiences to Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2024.
Beyond Words, on 7 March at Christchurch Town Hall, marks the fifth anniversary of the mosque attacks in a special collaboration between the NZSO, the Central Iqra Trust, and Muslim communities across New Zealand. With its first performance in Christchurch, this special concert includes the world premiere of Ahlan wa Sahlan by composer John Psathas, featuring Moroccan vocalist OUM and oud master Kyriakos Tapakis. OUM and Tapakis join with the NZSO, led by Muslim conductor Fawzi Haimor, to perform this extraordinary work, which fuses Eastern and Western music traditions.
Beyond Words also features performances of individual works by OUM, Tapakis, and three other distinguished composers: American Valerie Coleman, Iranian Reza Vali, and Estonian Arvo Pärt. Abdelilah Rharrabti, a survivor of the mosque attacks, will perform Hasbi Rabbi, a traditional work arranged by Christchurch composer Hamish Oliver with Esmail Fathi, Liam Oliver, and the NZSO.
John Psathas speaks to the significance of this work, stating, “It is not often one has the opportunity to offer a message of solidarity, love, and compassion through one’s artistic work. This is a rare gift from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.”
In addition to the concert, the NZSO is hosting a range of community events on 7 March, including a panel discussion with the Beyond Words artists, a workshop by the Simurgh Music School, a spoken word workshop, and Share Kai Share Culture run by InCommon and Mahia te Aroha, two organisations founded in response to the mosque attacks.
On 14 June, at the James Hay Theatre, a quartet of NZSO string players perform a concert of beautifully evocative music, from 17th-century Baroque to modern-day classics in Reflections: Schubert & Beethoven. You’ll be serenaded by Schubert’s Quartettsatz, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 9, Purcell’s Fantasia upon one note, and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte.
Ein Heldenleben A Hero’s Life on 27 July at Christchurch Town Hall, led by French conductor Stéphane Denève, features music by French composers Lili Boulanger and Maurice Ravel, alongside Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben. The concert includes Ravel’s Shéhérazade featuring French mezzo-soprano Virginie Verrez, Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps, and Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben.
Jupiter: Mozart & Copland on 27 September at Christchurch Town Hall, conducted by NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, presents landmark works by Mozart and Aaron Copland, including the world premiere of Lyell Cresswell’s Third Piano Concerto, performed by pianist Stephen de Pledge. The concert also features Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 Jupiter.
Rounding out a bumper orchestral year, at The Piano on 20 November, you’ll be able to experience Christian Tetzlaff in Recital, which features the world-renowned violinist performing works by Bach and Bártok in an intimate setting, including Bach’s Partita No. 2 and Violin Sonata No. 3, along with Bártok’s Sonata for Solo Violin.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is pulling out all the stops for its visits to the Garden City this year, offering a full calendar for classical and contemporary music lovers alike.