Stephen de Pledge, lauded by the Independent on Sun for his “stunning spring-loaded virtuosity,” has long championed Kiwi contemporary music, commissioning Lyell Cresswell’s first piano concerto. Cresswell completed and sent his third piano concerto to de Pledge in late 2021, several months before Cresswell passed away. We are honoured to present audiences with Cresswell’s final major work.
Cresswell heard in his own music a “clarity which is something to do with being in New Zealand, being quiet and nearer to nature.” A similar nature-inspired clarity pervades Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Depicting a wedding day in rural Appalachia, the work was justly celebrated for its “fresh and singing beauty” (New York Times).
Such lucid, unpretentious loveliness was anticipated by that great Classical leading light, Mozart. The Jupiter Symphony abundantly displays his ability to write tunes not simplistic but simple, not truncated but efficient, and not sentimental but moving.
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.
More info
He pārongo atu anō