Weber - Oberon Overture
Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (soloist: Shan Liu)
Stravinsky - Firebird Suite
Weber's Oberon Overture opens the concert with brilliant orchestral writing, introducing a world of adventure and fantasy with energy and style.
Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is one of the composer's most popular works for piano and orchestra. Built on Paganini's famous Caprice No. 24, its 24 variations range from virtuosity to lyrical beauty, including the celebrated 18th Variation. The soloist will be 16-year old Shan Liu, who studies under Stephen DePledge - he made history as the youngest-ever winner of NZ's National Concerto Competition and the National Junior Piano Competition.
Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919) brings the concert to a powerful close. Drawn from his groundbreaking ballet, the suite combines vivid orchestral colours, rhythmic vitality, and some of the most striking music of the twentieth century, culminating in a thrilling finale.
From Weber's classical elegance to Rachmaninov's lyrical invention and Stravinsky's bold orchestral sound, this programme highlights three distinctive masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences.
Proudly part of the Auckland Council whānau
Location
Te wāhi
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Arrive early and explore the surrounding Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, The Civic, Aotea Centre and Q Theatre are all within a few minutes’ walk, with plenty of nearby dining options before or after a show.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
Auckland Town Hall sits on Queen Street opposite Aotea Square. Te Waihorotiu Station is around a 2-minute walk away, while Waitematā Station and the ferry terminal are around a 17–20 minute walk down Queen Street. Frequent bus services stop nearby, and The Civic Car Park provides convenient parking close to the venue.
For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
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