PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1
Three paths through the Romantic imagination in all its shades of darkness and light.
SCHUBERT Symphony No. 8 Unfinished
MAHLER Des Knaben Wunderhorn (Matthias Goerne, baritone)
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 8
Christoph Eschenbach conductor
Matthias Goerne baritone
"Des Knaben Wunderhorn" by Gustav Mahler
1."Der Schildwache Nachtlied" – The Sentinel's Nightsong
2."Rheinlegendchen" – Little Rhine Legend
3."Wo die schönen Trompeten blasen" – Where the Fair Trumpets Sound
4."Das irdische Leben" – The Earthly Life
5."Urlicht" – Primeval Light
6."Lied des Verfolgten im Turm" – Song of the Persecuted in the Tower
7."Verlor'ne Müh" – Labour Lost
8."Des Antonius von Padua Fischpredigt" – St. Anthony of Padua's Sermon to the Fish
9."Lob des hohen Verstandes" – Praise of Lofty Intellect
10."Revelge" – Reveille
11."Der Tamboursg'sell" – The Drummer Boy
PROGRAM 2
The authoritative performance of Bruckner’s majestic Romantic symphony
BRAHMS Tragic Ouverture
MOZART Symphony No.34 K. 338
BRUCKNER Symphony No. 4 Romantic
Christoph Eschenbach conductor
OVERVIEW
Stay tuned for information on our world orchestras program.
2011
All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement. Richard Strauss
Sydney Opera House is delighted to welcome back the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of renowned conductor and pianist, Christoph Eschenbach, for three unforgettable performances in the Concert Hall this October.
Undoubtedly one of the finest orchestras in the world, the Vienna Philharmonic is famous for its sublime virtuosity and full, rich sound, referred to fondly by audiences and critics around the globe as the ‘golden sound’.
Since 1848, they have been at the centre of many of the pivotal periods in the evolution of Western European musical tradition. Conductors and composers intimately connected to this orchestra include Brahms, Mahler, Bruckner, Richter, Bohm, Karajan, Solti and, with the Orchestra’s series of Sydney concerts in 2006, Valery Gergiev.
For their 2011 tour the orchestra will be led by Christoph Eschenbach, a deeply thoughtful and passionate conductor who has put together two programs that range from the wit and energy of Beethoven to the epic majesty of Bruckner. He will be joined by one of the most acclaimed voices of our time, Matthias Goerne, in Mahler’s Wunderhorn songs.
Now in its fifth year, the Sydney Opera House World Orchestras Program offers Australian audiences the opportunity to experience the skill and artistry of the world’s greatest orchestras live on the Concert Hall stage. The return of the Vienna Philharmonic affirms Sydney Opera House’s reputation as an essential destination for the world’s finest performers, a place that artists are excited about visiting, and where they can be assured of a warm welcome from our audiences.
We hope you will join us on this journey through the heart of European orchestral music with that most noble of orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic.
Sydney Opera House World Orchestra Program Patrons
Mr Fred Street AM and Mrs Dorothy Street.
MEDIA PARTNER
CONDUCTOR
The drama-loving conductor can be controversial, but he'll never be boring. The Washingtonian
Christoph Eschenbach is generally regarded as one of the world’s great musicians. With a distinguished dual career as concert pianist and conductor, Eschenbach regularly leads and performs with orchestras of international stature in America and Europe with an intensity and vision that has exciting and sometimes contentious results.
Being mentored by three of the great masters of podium technique, Szell, Karajan and Bernstein has helped Eschenbach develop a unique presence on stage, conducting with every part of his body impressing fellow musicians and audiences alike.
Eschenbach made his conducting debut with Bruckner’s Third Symphony and is renowned for his interpretations of the heartland works of the symphonic repertoire. However he is also a passionate advocate for new music. His choices are rarely safe, always thrilling, because, as he says: “Music is about freedom”.
Learn more about Eschenbach herewith three videos detailing his life and career as a musician and mentor.
Chrisoph Eschenbach Official Site
BARITONE
The charismatic German baritone can go to the ultimate depths with Mahler. The Philadelphia Inquirer
A consummate storyteller with one of the best voices in the business, Matthias Goerne is one of the most sought-after singers on the scene today. Blending intelligence with a richly coloured sound and the instincts of a born actor, Goerne is the ideal performer of everything from highly emotive German lied to Bach and Mozart arias. He involves himself so deeply in the music that he seems possessed by song. His Mahler has been singled out for special praise -“Goerne went to the heart of the Mahler, making every song an artwork as he soared ravishingly above the orchestra…” (Washington Post) – but everything this brilliant musician touches turns to gold. “To know him is to want to hear him endlessly." (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Matthias Goerne Website
Matthias Goerne sings Mahler’s Kindertotenlieder at the BBC Proms 2009
BOOKING INFO
BECOME AN INSIDER AND SAVE 20%
If you are an Insider purchase tickets to both Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra performances and get 20% off Program 2.
To Book
Online: Click on the PROGRAM tab to select a performance
Phone: 02 9250 7777
Email: bookings@sydneyoperahouse.com
In Person: Sydney Opera House Box Office
*Transaction fee of $5-$8.50 applies to all bookings,
except for Insiders
** Offer available on Prem-C reserves only and is strictly limited. Tickets must be purchased by the same customer, in the same reserve and in the same transaction to receive the discount on the second program. Tickets must be purchased in equal quantaties for both programs to gain the discount. Offer available by phone or in person, not available online. No refunds except as outlined in the code of practice for Event Ticketing in Australia.