The concert opens with Fanfare by Jack Speirs, one of the first Musical Directors of the DSO. This performance acknowledges the strong foundations laid by the DSO’s leaders, including Jack, 60 years ago.

Michael Houstoun, arguably New Zealand’s leading pianist, will perform Shostakovich’s second piano concerto. The freedom and joy in the concerto’s two outer movements serve to highlight the achingly-beautiful slow movement. Ex-Dunedinite and internationally acclaimed bass Jonathan Lemalu will delight us with a selection of Mozart arias.

The Moldau by Smetana takes us on a journey down the Moldau River, the Czech Republic’s longest river, tracing the course of the river from its source to where it joins the river Elbe. Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite paints quite a difference picture: Written for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes; it tells a tale of love, bravery, and overcoming darkness.

All this will be under the masterful baton of our Principal Guest Conductor James Judd.