Matinee concerts celebrate shared history

Dunedin Symphony Orchestra continues its 60th anniversary celebrations by honouring the music of leading Dunedin composer Emeritus Prof Anthony Ritchie.

In its ‘‘Beethoven, Ritchie and Faure’’ matinee series concerts this Saturday and Sunday, the DSO and Wellington-based cellist Inbal Megiddo will present the world premiere performances of Prof Ritchie’s first Cello Concerto under the baton of conductor Brent Stewart.

Prof Ritchie, who recently retired from the University of Otago’s School of Performing Arts, has written many concertos in his career, including for viola, violin and bass.

‘‘It took many years before I decided to write this concerto... partly because I learned cello myself at school and it wasn’t the happiest of experiences,’’ Prof Ritchie said.

‘‘Despite that, I love the sound of the cello and have aimed to compose a lyrical piece for Inbal that covers a lot of different moods and also gives the orchestra plenty to do,’’ he said.

A DSO spokesperson said Prof Ritchie’s career had been intertwined with the orchestra for many years, including his appointment as composer-inresidence in 1993-94 and in many performances of his works since.

‘‘The premiere of his Cello Concerto celebrates our shared history.’’

Megiddo is a cello lecturer at Victoria University, who has performed as a soloist with many of the great orchestras around the world and been praised for her warm and sincere style.

Along with Prof Ritchie’s Cello Concerto, the wide-ranging matinee concerts will also feature Faure’s Masques et Bergamasques, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.

The Dunedin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘‘Beethoven, Ritchie and Faure’’ matinee concerts will be held this Saturday, at 5pm and Sunday, at 3pm, at the King’s and Queen’s Performing Arts Centre, Bay View Rd.

brenda.harwood@thestar.co.nz