Alexander Gavrylyuk Plays Rachmaninov

Superstar conductor Vasily Petrenko leads us on an aural adventure of soaring heights and swooping emotions.

  • Words by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
  • Last updated 13 Oct 2024

Petrenko’s “fire and precision […and] total rapport” (The Guardian) will surely ignite the pianistic flair of Ukrainian-born Australian Alexander Gavrylyuk. In Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Gavrylyuk will no doubt prove why The Erie Times News described him as “an orchestra unto himself, pouring out waves of huge, carillon-like sound […] sensational.”

This programme opens and closes with composers taking a brave leap. Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra flips the very idea of a concerto on its head. No soloist here; just the orchestra itself, given its chance to shine bright. And to kick things off: Icarus by Lera Auerbach, referencing the legendary Greek character. Auerbach says that Icarus “needs to fly as high as he can, beyond what is possible.” This concert will prove that such dizzying heights are, indeed, possible.

Location Te wāhi
Auckland Town Hall | Hōro ā-Tāone o Tāmaki Makaurau
Auckland Town Hall | Hōro ā-Tāone o Tāmaki Makaura
Plan your route
Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

Auckland Town Hall is opposite Aotea Square on Queen Street. This is along a main bus route and takes about 17-20 minutes to walk from Britomart Station and the ferry terminal. For parking options visit Auckland Transport’s website.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

Learn about the colourful history of this iconic venue on an Auckland Town Hall Tour. Visit aucklandlive.com for tour dates and details.