Australian World Orchestra
Multi-award-winning Australian World Orchestra make their Festival debut with maestro Zubin Mehta, who returns for the first time in over 40 years.
Founded just a decade ago, the Australian World Orchestra is one of classical music’s newest and freshest ensembles. It brings together the most outstanding Australian musicians from across the country – and from orchestras and groups right around the world. It has already been praised internationally for its luxurious, sophisticated sound and its charismatic musical personality.
Eminent conductor Zubin Mehta has had a long association with the orchestra, and he brings a concert that is sure to show off the ensemble’s power and versatility.
Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg is the soloist in Debussy’s early, Wagnerian song-cycle Ariettesoubliées, setting poems by Verlaine, while Webern’s Passacaglia echoes Brahms and Mahler in its richness and emotional intensity.
Mehta and the orchestra conclude with the rustic melodies and sunny nature evocations of Dvořák’s vibrant Seventh Symphony, which rises from the darkness of its opening to end in blazing light.
Part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22, a joint initiative of the British Council and Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, supported by the Australian Government and the British Council
Zubin Mehta Conductor
Siobhan Stagg Soprano
Webern Passacaglia
Webern Six Pieces for Orchestra
Debussy Ariettes oubliées arr. Brett Dean
Dvořák Symphony No 7