Archived performance
Performance details
13 September 2019 at 7.30pm
Melbourne Town Hall
14 September 2019 at 7pm
West Gippsland Performing Arts Centre
About this performance
Program
Prokofiev Prokofiev Symphony No.1 Classical
R. Strauss Oboe Concerto
Mozart Symphony No.40
Featuring
Benjamin Northey conductor
Thomas Hutchinson oboe
The concert
The spirit of the 18th century hovers over Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony. Nimble, puckish and delicately scored, it’s spiced with Prokofiev’s own very modern harmonies and jagged rhythms.
When divisions of the US Army rolled in and occupied Strauss’ Bavarian hometown of Garmisch in April 1945, one of the young soldiers who posed for photos with the octogenarian composer was John de Lancie. In civilian life, de Lancie was principal oboe with the Pittsburgh Orchestra. When he asked Strauss to write him an oboe concerto Strauss flatly refused but a seed was planted and the result is his charming oboe concerto, which you’ll hear tonight, played by the MSO’s Thomas Hutchinson.
This ‘charming, nostalgic work looks back to simpler times,’ says Thomas, ‘Inspired more by his hero Mozart, this fresh and vital work is a joy for audiences and musicians alike.’
Concluding this evening of classical masterpieces is one of Mozart’s most popular and well-known symphonies. With its famous melancholy opening theme, his Symphony No.40 hints at a deep disquiet beneath its trademark refinement.
Pictured: Thomas Hutchinson
