Australian Music Centre | Breaking sound barriers

Event Details

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Benjamin Northey conductor
Nicolas Fleury horn
Rachel Shaw horn

Program

May Lyon Opal
Barber Adagio
Rautavaara Angel of Light

About the performance
Let the lush strings of Samuel Barber and Finnish composer Rautavaara sweep you up in a program inspired by dreams and hope for the future. Also included is a world premiere showcasing the superb talent of two of MSO’s own musicians.

Childhood dreams and revelations

A name you might not be familiar with, Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928 – 2016) is widely recognised as the most popular Finnish composer since Jean Sibelius. Rautavaara composed prolifically in almost every form and style of classical music, using lush soundscapes in a careful balance between originality and a more traditional Romantic style. His Seventh Symphony explores the Finnish tradition of mysticism in music. Moody with swirling strings and burnished brass, Angel of Light – inspired by childhood dreams and revelations – premiered in 1994.

From Puff Daddy to Platoon

Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings has become one of the most well-known and loved pieces of American classical music of the past century. In a mere eight minutes, Barber creates the intensely moving effect of lingering hope – fluctuating harmonies creating a tension that never quite resolves. It’s been sampled on tracks by contemporary musicians Sean Coombs, (aka Puff Daddy), Madonna, DJ Tiesto and heard in films like The Elephant Man and Platoon.

A world premiere performance

Be among the first to hear Opal by Melbourne-based composer May Lyon. Movements for the work include Precious Opal, Water and Cut from Rock, which represents the mining of Opal. Also, the coming together of two to form one precious object, Water and Silica for Opal – like two horns shimmering together to form one “solo” instrument, featuring the MSO’s own Nicolas Fleury and Rachel Shaw.

Featured non-Australian music: Rautavaara, Barber

Further information for this event is available online at the event's website or by phone on (03) 9929 9600

Featured Australian Works

Featured artists

• Performer Nicolas Fleury
• Performer Rachel Shaw
• Performer Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor Benjamin Northey