A Mahler symphony is a symbol of maturity for any orchestra. Together with soprano Anna Leese, Manukau Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will perform Mahler’s Fourth Symphony on Saturday 28 August, 7.30pm at the Vodafone Events Centre.
Leese, a sought-after Kiwi soprano, says the challenge is conveying the sense of child-like wonderment in Das himmlische Leben (The Heavenly Life) in the last movement of Mahler’s Fourth Symphony. ‘There are few opportunities to sing Mahler with an orchestra in New Zealand, so singing it is a dream,’ says Leese.
‘I have worked with Anna Leese a number of times and have always admired her pure tone, attitude and charisma on stage,’ says Uwe Grodd, MSO Music Director. ‘This is MSO’s first time sharing the stage with Anna, and we are excited for her voice to resonate above the rich timbres of the orchestra’.
Richard Strauss was a prolific composer of Lieder, though only a relatively small number were orchestrated. Leese will bring to life Zueignung (Devotion), An die nacht (In the Night), Ich wollt ein Strausslen binden (I meant to make you a posy), Heimliche Aufforderung (The Lover’s Pledge), Ruhe, Meine Seele! (Rest thee, my spirit!) and the popular Morgen! (Tomorrow!).
Mozart’s crowd-pleasing curtain raiser Overture to Il Seraglio, fashionably written in a ‘Turkish style’ spiced up with cymbals, triangles and big drums found in Janissary bands, will start this midwinter concert.https://6973928101acbdaec466c675b7442962.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
The Manukau Symphony Orchestra is a community orchestra with a unique mix of professional, youth and community players. Established in 1993, it is the only full symphony orchestra based in Manukau, Auckland.
The orchestra gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its donors, funders and supporters, including Auckland Council, Creative Communities Auckland, Four Winds Foundation, Multi-Media Systems Limited, Second Nature Charitable Trust and Vodafone Events Centre.
What:Manukau Symphony Orchestra presents Mahler 4
When: Saturday 28 August 2021, 7.30pm
Where: Vodafone Events Centre. Tickets are on sale now at Eventfinda or phone (09) 577 3031.
