Four fantastical, programmatic works will be performed in our last Philharmonic concert of 2026. Each one will be introduced by a member of the orchestra.

Glinka – Ruslan and Ludmilla Overture

After Pushkin’s tale, this opera tells the story of a bride who, after a flash of lightning, disappears during her wedding ceremony. A magical quest follows—with wizards, dragons, talking trees, and magic rings. The overture is a whirlwind of notes and is by far the most frequently performed of Glinka’s works.

Grieg – Peer Gynt Suite No 1

Peer Gynt is also about a quest, but this time from Norway to Africa… and back again. In this suite, the lazy Norwegian scallywag, Peer, is pictured in four separate tableaux: Morning Mood – Rejoicing in the Norwegian countryside The Death of Åse – Mourning the death of his mother Anitra’s Dance – watching a dancer in Morocco (who is about to steal all of Peer’s money)! In the Hall of the Mountain King – Where Peer is chased away by angry Norwegian trolls

Mussorgsky – Night on a Bare Mountain (arr. Rimsky-Korsakov)

This work is not about a quest but rather depicts St John’s Eve—Russia’s Halloween—when witches gather and celebrate their sabbath on a bare mountain. At the end, as the church bells chime and the village awakes (with clarinet and flute solos), the listener understands it may have all been a bad dream.

Strauss – Thunder and Lightning Polka
The concert will end with Strauss’s Thunder and Lightning Polka—a brilliant and fun finale full of sparkle.

PROGRAM

Mikhail Glinka
Overture to Ruslan and Ludmila

Edvard Grieg
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1

Modest Mussorgsky (arr. Rimsky-Korsakov)
Night on a Bare Mountain

Johann Strauss
Thunder and Lightning Polka

CREDITS

Conductor: Richard Davis

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.

Image by Gregory Lorenzutti