Orchestra Wellington 2025 Season

Shostakovich’s Symphony No.2 represents a young composer experimenting with modernism while responding to Soviet demands. Pianist Jian Liu is an associate professor at Victoria University of Wellington. He performs Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.3. Rounding out the programme is Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Scheherazade’. This orchestral suite captures the exoticism and allure of ‘The Arabian Nights’.

Hear two masterpieces from the 20th century. Shostakovich’s Symphony No.3 reflects his early attempts to navigate Soviet cultural demands. It mixes militaristic fanfare with introspective passages. Lev Sitkov plays cello in Britten’s Symphony for Cello and Orchestra. It stands as a testament to the rich artistic dialogue between Britten and Shostakovich.

This programme features one of Shostakovich’s most significant works. Symphony No.4 calls for massive orchestral forces. It marks the composer’s last time referencing Soviet modernism. You’ll also hear violinist Yura Lee perform Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and the world premiere of the 2025 SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music annual commission.

Kiwi soprano Madeleine Pierard sings excerpts from Shostakovich’s opera ‘Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk’. The programme includes the New Zealand premiere of Orchestra Wellington patron and composer John Psathas’ work ‘Next Planet’. The third work in the programme also has a Kiwi connection. The Glazunov’s Violin Concerto will utilise the considerable skills of New Zealand-born violinist Benjamin Baker.

New Zealand composer Victoria Kelly premieres her Requiem. It uses poetry by Bill Manhire, Sam Hunt, Chloe Honum, Ian Wedde, and James K Baxter. Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 is possibly his most famous and frequently performed symphony. It could be viewed as a sincere expression of Soviet ideals or a subversive critique of totalitarianism. Whichever it is, it continues to captivate audiences with its emotional depth and structural brilliance.