Bach, Bolero & Bernstein

Resonance has become known for its innovative approach to orchestral repertoire. Their next concert pushes the boundaries even further in several ways, juxtaposing classic masterpieces by Bach and Dvořák with three spectacular and colourful works from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Bach’s great Concerto in D minor for Two Violins will feature soloists Cathy Irons and Fiona Pears, both of whom have built considerable reputations for their stylistic diversity and high-impact presentation, qualities that they now bring one of Bach’s most loved and popular masterpieces.

Dvořák’s glorious Symphony No. 8 in G Major seldom gets a look-in on orchestral programmes because of the popularity of his 9th, the ubiquitous New World Symphony. But, conductor, Tony Ryan here gives the Christchurch audience a rare opportunity to enjoy what many believe is actually the composer’s finest symphony.

From the twentieth century come two orchestral gems: Ravel’s Bolero and Bernstein’s Candide Overture. Bolero is one of the world’s most well-known, well-loved and unusual compositions. Some describe it as a daring experiment; others call it a masterpiece of extraordinary imagination. Whatever it is, Resonance is taking a very different approach in their performance. Although every note will be played exactly as the composer intended, the audience is in for a unique experience.

Like Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story, his slightly more operatic show Candide contains some of his most appealing and memorable music, and its overture has become one of the twentieth century’s most frequently played shorter classics. Full of virtuosity and spectacle, the overture to Candide is exciting and colourful from start to finish.

To complete the programme, the conductor of this concert, Tony Ryan, has attempted to match the spectacle, excitement, appeal and colour of the other works in the programme with his latest work: Waltz Bacchanal.

Programme: 

Overture to Candide (Bernstein), Bach: Double Violin Concerto, Bolero (Ravel), Waltz Bacchanal (Ryan),

Dvorak: Symphony no. 8