The new year – 2016 – marks the 80th birthday of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO).
The special year will see the young Nicholas Carter take over as ASO Principal Conductor. Nicholas, in combination with a new leadership team, promises a repertoire with more than a few showstoppers to celebrate the milestone.
The Classics Unwrapped series is a perfect entry point into classical music and is thoroughly enjoyable for seasoned veterans too. ABC Classic FM presenter and comedian Guy Noble conducts while providing a wonderful commentary on each piece performed.
April will see Classics Unwrapped 1 –'Swoon’, the best and most relaxing swoon pieces from ABC Classic FM’s morning swoon segment. Classics Unwrapped 2 – 'Big Egos, Big Music' in August will showcase The 'Mephisto Waltz', and an excerpt from 'West Side Story.' Closing up in November, the third Classics Unwrapped – 'The Audience Decides' is self-explanatory.
Famous pieces, world renowned guest artists and unforgettable melodies await in the Master Series. Start the year with Strauss’ swashbuckling 'Don Juan' and Beethoven’s famous 'Symphony No. 5' in ‘Iconic Beethoven – Master 1’ in March. Other highlights include: 'Dazzling Prokofiev – Master 4' in June which features a knockout line-up with 'The Sorcerer’s Apprentice' and young soloist Behzod also plays Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 3. Plus 'Piano Legend – Master 6' in September which sees piano prodigy Nelson Freire grace the ASO for 'Brahms - Piano Concerto No 2'.
The spectacle events of the ASO, the Great Classics, will feature world-renowned guest artists pull large crowds. February will see the Beethoven Violin Concerto – the third movement of which is one of the most catchy classical melodies – in 'Carter & Wagner – Great Classics 1'. 'Tortelier & Tchaikovsky – Great Classics 2' will showcase in June with World renowned conductor – Yan Pascal Tortelier – returning for some stirring pieces by Russian composers.
The third installment of the Great Classics series, 'Simone Young & Mahler' will be lead by Simone for two epic symphonies. While October will welcome guest conductor Jeffrey Tate conducts some of the most boldly heroic pieces by Wagner, Beethoven & Strauss in 'A Hero's Life – Great Classics 4'.
Hilltop HoodsOther highlights throughout the year include WOMADelaide's presentation of Anqelique Kidjo in March. The Hilltop Hoods will also join the orchestra in April to perform pieces from their new album, ‘Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung'. May will see 'Movie Masterpieces' classic film scores celebrated, such as the spine tingling 'Jaws' are celebrated with presenter Margaret Pomeranz and conductor Guy Noble. Guy will also conduct the fusion of circus and live orchestral score for ' Cirque de le Symphonie' in July.
The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra's 2016 season begins with ASO Jams on 20 January.
