Classical elegance and undiscovered gems
Join the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for Elegance, featuring British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason and conductor Tianyi Lu with works by Mozart, Brahms, and Andrée – Sunday, 18 October at Christchurch Town Hall.
Credit: John Davis
Few families have shaped modern classical music more than the Kanneh-Masons. Isata Kanneh-Mason, the eldest sibling in this extraordinary family of seven prodigies, has led the way since first bursting onto the scene in 2013 after receiving the Sir Elton John Scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music and performing with the pop icon at just 17 years old. She has since gone on to perform with some of the greatest orchestras across the globe. In her NZSO debut, she brings her virtuosic, expressive style to Mozart’s serene Piano Concerto No. 27.
Composed less than a year before his untimely death at 35 years old, Mozart’s final piano concerto is an enchanting work by a composer at the peak of his artistic powers. Graceful, elegant, and playful, this concerto is sure to delight.
Joining the NZSO on stage is Chinese-born New Zealander Tianyi Lu. A conductor on the rise, Lu is a passionate advocate for undiscovered gems and overlooked works in the classical repertoire, bringing her exceptional musicality to Andrée’s intimate Andante Recitative.
To round out this programme, the NZSO performs Brahms’ first Serenade, a work that harks back to Mozart’s own delightful serenades while also establishing Brahms’ own style.
For an evening of grace, poise, and exceptional music, Elegance with the NZSO is not to be missed.