AYO - Firebird - Orewa
Description
Auckland Youth Orchestra, conducted by Antun Poljanich, presents another exciting concert:
Weber - Oberon Overture
Rachmaninov - Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (soloist: Shan Liu)
Stravinsky - Firebird Suite
Weber's Oberon Overture opens the concert with brilliant orchestral writing, introducing a world of adventure and fantasy with energy and style.
Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini is one of the composer's most popular works for piano and orchestra. Built on Paganini's famous Caprice No. 24, its 24 variations range from virtuosity to lyrical beauty, including the celebrated 18th Variation. The soloist will be 16-year old Shan Liu, who studies under Stephen DePledge - he made history as the youngest-ever winner of NZ's National Concerto Competition and the National Junior Piano Competition.
Stravinsky's Firebird Suite (1919) brings the concert to a powerful close. Drawn from his groundbreaking ballet, the suite combines vivid orchestral colours, rhythmic vitality, and some of the most striking music of the twentieth century, culminating in a thrilling finale.
From Weber's classical elegance to Rachmaninov's lyrical invention and Stravinsky's bold orchestral sound, this programme highlights three distinctive masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences.
Lineup
Shan Liu - piano
At just 16 years old, Shan Liu is making waves in the classical music world. A Year 12 student at Westlake Boys High School, Shan studies under acclaimed pianist Stephen De Pledge and has already achieved remarkable success on the international stage. His accolades include the Grand Gold Prize at the Pacific Rim International Music Competition, Gold Award at the GOCAA New York International Music Competition, First Place at the César Franck International Piano Competition (Belgium), and the International Piano Competition for Young Musicians (The Netherlands). In New Zealand, Shan has made history as the youngest-ever winner of the National Concerto Competition and the National Junior Piano Competition. He is also a recipient of the VAC Classical Music Award, the GOCAA Young Artist Award and the AIMES Emerging Talent Award. Notably, Shan is the first NZ pianist to be invited to the prestigious Morningside Music Bridge Program in Boston. Shan has performed at world-renowned venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sydney Opera House, and Auckland Town Hall. His solo recitals, both in New Zealand and abroad, have been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Shan has also collaborated with many of New Zealand’s leading orchestras—NZSO, NYO, CSO, MSO, ASO, and others—making his soloist debut at the age of nine.
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