REVIEW: Wonderful end to a fulfilling year

Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto
Dunedin Symphony Orchestra
Dunedin Town Hall
Saturday, December 2

A large audience came together at Dunedin Town Hall to hear the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra in its final concert for the year and were treated to a musical feast.

Under the inspiring, joyful baton of Australia-based guest conductor Umberto Clerici, the DSO players gave an energetic and committed performance of an intriguing programme.

The concert opened with Beethoven’s extraordinary Coriolan Overture, opening with dramatic flourishes and a heroic sensibility, before dying away into despair. The DSO were responsive and sensitive to the moods of the piece throughout.

Australia-based pianist Konstantin Shamray then joined the orchestra for a magnificent performance of Tchaikovsky’s epic Piano Concerto No. 1, instantly recognisable from its dramatic opening fanfare.

Given sterling support by Clerici and the DSO, Shamray’s performance was masterful throughout, as he tackled the concerto’s many virtuosic passages and cadenzas with consummate skill, while bringing all the emotions to the fore.

In response to cheers and thunderous applause, he returned with a sweet and gentle solo encore — a delicate and beautiful Rachmaninov prelude.

The concert’s second half was devoted to Schumann’s wonderfully descriptive Symphony No. 3, Rhenish — offering a tour of the Rhenish region of Germany in five movements.

With its powerful opening themes giving way to folk dances, calm reflection and homage to Cologne Cathedral, the symphony requires a nimble, adaptive approach from the orchestra.

Under the superb guidance of Clerici, the DSO tackled the Schumann’s optimistic work with aplomb, each section making the most of their chances to shine.

All in all, Saturday’s concert was a wonderful end to a busy and fulfilling year of musical enjoyment for DSO fans. Here’s to another great year ahead.

Review by Brenda Harwood: The Star 7 December 2023