The program opens with Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, a dramatic and evocative work that paints a vivid picture of a pagan ritual taking place on a dark and mysterious mountain. The composition, with its dark and eerie atmosphere, was originally conceived as a musical representation of the witches’ Sabbath, and has been a firm concert favourite since its premiere in 1886.

Svendsen’s Andante funebre is a moving and elegiac piece that was the last major work the Norwegian composer and conductor completed prior to his death. A contemporary (and close friend) of Greig, this piece features the lush harmonies and emotional intensity so characteristic of Nordic music of the period.

The NSSO is then very excited to be joined by Alexandre Oguey, principal Cor Anglais of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, to play a new work by the Australian composer Anne Cawrse. This work was commissioned by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and given its premiere in Melbourne 2022 – this performance by the NSSO will be the NSW premiere of the work. Some patrons may remember the NSSO performing Cawrse’s stunning work The Nightingale and the Rose in 2010.

The concert closes with Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. This piece is considered one of Beethoven’s greatest works and is filled with lively rhythms and powerful, dramatic themes. The second movement Allegretto is considered one of the most beautiful movements in all of classical music, whilst the stirring and energetic final movement will bring the concert to a suitably triumphant close.

ARTISTS

North Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Steven Hillinger

Guest Concertmaster: Shuti Huang

Soloist: Cor Anglais – Alexandre Oguey

PROGRAM

Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain

Svendsen: Andante funebre

Cawrse: The Rest is Silence (Cor Anglais Concerto)

Beethoven: Symphony No.7