Peter van Drimmelen conducts four soloists with the Wellington Chamber Orchestra in a programme consisting of:
Ludwig van Beethoven – 'Triple Concerto' Op. 56 with: Vesa-Matti Leppänen (violin); Andrew Joyce (cello); Diedre Irons (piano)
Kenneth Young – 'Douce Tristesse' – world premiere
Paul Hindemith – 'Trauermusik' with soloist: Julia Joyce (viola)
Georges Bizet – 'L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2'
The 'Triple Concerto' is the only work Beethoven composed for more than one soloist. It is, in effect, a concerto for piano trio and the WCO is delighted to have, as soloists, Vesa-Matti Leppänen – Concertmaster and Andrew Joyce – Principal Cello of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra alongside Diedre Irons, one of this country's favourite concert pianists.
The connection with NZSO runs deep in this concert. Conductor Peter van Drimmelen also plays in the orchestra's viola section which is led by our fourth soloist, Julia Joyce (nee McCarthy). Julia performs the poignant work written by Paul Hindemith in rapid response to the death of King George V, just a day after his arrival in England..
The connections continue. Former NZSO Tuba Principal, Kenneth Young conducted the WCO in their July concert of 2011. He and Diedre are also colleagues at Te Koki, New Zealand School of Music. This time, it is as composer that Ken contributes to the concert. His new work, Douce Tristesse, has been commissioned by conductor Peter van Drimmelen with funding support through Creative New Zealand. It is a deceptively simple work with a serene, pastoral quality.
The 'pastoral' feel is also strong in Bizet's 'L’Arlesienne Suite'. This is the second suite that the French composer pulled from the incidental music he wrote for a play by Daudet and is a firm favourite with audiences with its authentic Provencal flavour and folk-based melodies.
Online tickets: Adults $15; School students or younger are free.
Door sales: Adults $20; Concessions $15 (Tertiary students, Seniors, unwaged); School students or younger: free.
Tickets are limited by the size of the venue so prior bookings are recommended.
