AYO - June Concert

Bizet  - Intermezzo  from L' Arlésienne Suite No. 2

Séjourné - Double Concerto for Marimba & Vibraphone  (soloists: Eric Renick and Steven Logan)
Dvorak - Symphony No.9  “From the New World”

The programme opens with Bizet’s luminous Intermezzo from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2. This gentle and lyrical work with flowing melodies provides the perfect introduction.

The concert then shifts into vibrant contemporary territory with Séjourné’s Double Concerto for Marimba & Vibraphone, featuring renowned soloists Eric Renick and Steven Logan (Principal Percussionist and Principal Timpanist respectively of the Auckland Philharmonia). This dazzling work is a true showcase of rhythmic vitality and tonal brilliance. The interplay between marimba and vibraphone creates a rich tapestry of sound, at times shimmering and ethereal, at others bold and percussive. Renick and Logan bring not only technical mastery but also a deep musical connection, engaging in a dynamic dialogue that is both playful and profound. Supported by the orchestra’s crisp precision and rhythmic drive, this concerto is certain to be a highlight of the concert - an exhilarating fusion of contemporary flair and classical structure.

The programme concludes with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” a cornerstone of the orchestral repertoire and a powerful testament to the composer’s inspiration drawn from American landscapes and spirituals. From the haunting beauty of the famous Largo to the triumphant sweep of the final movement, this symphony demands emotional depth and technical command from the orchestra – a moving and memorable experience for all.

For more information, click here.