Echoes of Europe

Sunday 11 May 2025

Programme Notes

Overture to The Barber of Seville ...… Gioachino Rossini (1792 – 1868)

Gioachino Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville is one of the most recognizable and beloved orchestral works in the operatic repertoire. Though partly composed from two different operas, Aureliano in Palmira and Elizabeth, Queen of England, Rossini repurposed the piece for The Barber of Seville, where it has since become inseparable from the comedic brilliance of the opera.

The overture sets the stage for the high-energy antics that follow. From the outset, the music is infused with vibrancy, wit, and a lively spirit that perfectly matches the mischievous character of Figaro. It opens with a stately, lyrical introduction, which soon gives way to an exhilarating allegro section. The bubbling energy, quick dynamic shifts, and sharp rhythmic gestures all contribute to a sense of anticipation and excitement.

Characteristic of Rossini’s style, the overture features his signature “Rossini crescendo”, in which repetition and gradually increasing volume build tension to an explosive climax. This device heightens the sense of theatricality, creating a thrilling start to the opera.

With its effervescent charm and driving momentum, the overture encapsulates the cleverness, humour, and vivacity that make The Barber of Seville a masterpiece of comic opera. It remains a concert favourite, delighting audiences with its infectious energy.

Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 …………Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 is one of the most cherished concertos in the Romantic repertoire. Composed in 1868, when Grieg was just 24 years old, it displays both youthful exuberance and emotional depth, infused with Norwegian folk influences that define his distinctive musical voice.

The concerto opens with a dramatic flourish: a striking timpani roll leads into a cascading piano solo, immediately capturing the listener’s attention. The first movement, marked Allegro molto moderato, is energetic yet lyrical, featuring rich harmonies and virtuosic passages that showcase the piano’s brilliance. The second movement, Adagio, provides a contrasting moment of poetic serenity, with a gently flowing melody that evokes deep introspection. The final movement, Allegro moderato molto e marcato, brims with vitality and dance-like rhythms inspired by Norwegian folk music, culminating in a triumphant return to the concerto’s main theme.

A favourite among pianists and audiences alike, Grieg’s concerto is celebrated for its melodic beauty, expressive warmth, and dramatic contrasts. It remains a cornerstone of the Romantic piano repertoire, demonstrating the composer’s ability to blend classical form with folk-inspired charm in a dazzling and heartfelt masterpiece.

Symphony No. 6 in D major, Op. 60 ……..Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)

Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 6 in D major, Op. 60 is a radiant work that showcases the composer’s lyrical gift and deep connection to Czech musical traditions. Completed in 1880, it reflects both the influence of Brahms and the distinctive folk-inspired charm that defines Dvořák’s style.

The symphony opens with a grand, pastoral Allegro non tanto, marked by expansive melodies and warm orchestral textures. Its themes unfold with a natural ease, embodying a sense of optimism and flowing beauty. The second movement, Adagio, offers a lyrical contrast, with tender, expressive phrasing that evokes a serene yet introspective mood. The Scherzo, based on the lively Czech dance known as the Furiant, bursts forth with rhythmic drive and exuberance, highlighting Dvořák’s affinity for folk elements. The finale, Allegro con spirito, builds toward a joyous and triumphant conclusion, filled with soaring melodies and celebratory energy.

Though sometimes overshadowed by Dvořák’s later symphonies, particularly the New World Symphony, his Sixth remains a delightful and masterfully crafted work. It exudes warmth, national pride, and dynamic contrasts, making it a true gem of the Romantic symphonic tradition. Its infectious spirit continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Upcoming Concert

“Spirit of France”

Saturday 30 August 7.30 pm

Theatre Royal, TSB Showplace

Join us for an exciting programme of French-inspired music conducted by Christopher Luke. Former TSO member Dominic Jacquemard, now a member of the Auckland Philharmonia, features as percussion soloist in an exciting concerto, as well as perennial crowd favourite “Bolero” by Ravel.

Mark it in your diary now!

Uwe Grodd

Uwe Grodd has gained widespread recognition and acclaim in the world of classical music. With a career spanning many countries, he has cemented his status as a champion of musical excellence. The UK’s Gramophone review of a recording of Hummel Masses with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra by their editor James Jolly encapsulates this well: “…and good to see music-making of this vigour and mastery coming from New Zealand – it makes a change from hobbits!"

In 1997, Uwe Grodd embarked on an extraordinary journey as Exclusive Artist with Naxos Records resulting in groundbreaking world premiere recordings of over 100 works. His interpretations have left a lasting mark on the classical music landscape through numerous critically acclaimed reviews worldwide.

Grodd initially gained worldwide attention when awarded First Prize at the Cannes Classical Awards, France, in 2000 for ‘Best 18th Century Orchestral Recording’. This achievement came as he conducted Hungary's Nicolaus Esterházy Sinfonia, setting the stage for a series of accolades. Notably, he received two 'Editor's Choice' awards from Gramophone UK and the esteemed 'International Record Review Outstanding' award for his recordings of Ferdinand Ries' Complete Works for Piano and Orchestra, featuring orchestras like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Bournemouth Symphony, Gaevle Symphony, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Grodd continues to champion contemporary music and played a pivotal role in commissioning over 50 works from New Zealand composers. He conducted the premiere season of the multi-media opera ‘Galileo,’ with music by John Rimmer and libretto by Witi Ihimaera. As Artistic Director of ‘Len Lye: the opera,’ featuring music by Eve de Castro-Robinson, Grodd continued to push the boundaries of contemporary music. In 2021, Grodd conducted the premiere season of the opera ‘Ihitai 'Avei'a: Star Navigator’ by Tim Finn, collaborating with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Choral, and the Graduate Choir. His latest premiere, David Hamilton's 'Manukau Songs', featuring the MSO, marked a triumph as New Zealand's first choral symphony.

Beyond his performances, Grodd serves as Professor Emeritus of the University of Auckland, Post Graduate Supervisor at the University of Canterbury, Music Director of the Auckland Choral Society, and Principal Guest Conductor of the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra. He has been the Inaugural Music Director of the Manukau Symphony Orchestra since 1993.

Rosa Scaffidi

Rosa Scaffidi began her life-long love affair with the piano and its mighty repertoire at the age of 2. Her first public performance followed soon after at age 8.

Rosa has spent a lifetime devoted to the study of music having received a Bachelor of Music from Melba Conservatorium; Fellowship in Performance from Trinity College, London; Honours degree in Music Performance from Monash University and a Masters degree in Performance from the Victorian College of the Arts, specialising in solo and ensemble repertoire. She gained entry into the Golden Key International Honours society for outstanding academic excellence through the Monash University chapter.

Rosa performs at many venues in Australia and internationally as a soloist and accompanist. She has worked with all major ballet institutions and the Royal Academy of Dancing as Major Pianist. She has worked with Opera Australia as vocal coach and was Musical Director for Pot-Pourri, Music Theatre Australia which tours both domestically and internationally.

Immediately upon graduating from the Melba, Rosa was on staff as an accompanist, piano teacher, lecturer and performer, and for many years at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) as Head of Dance Accompanists, Music Ensemble Director and Solo Pianist for major dance performances at the Malthouse Theatre, Southbank, Melbourne. Prior to relocating to New Zealand, she was employed at Carey Baptist Grammar School and Ruyton Girls School as Piano Tutor and Accompanist.

Recent recordings include Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring for two pianos in collaboration with Dr Tony Gould, Siegfried’s Story, an arrangement of 12 movements for Piano, French Horn and Tuba (Bonza Brass Ensemble) from Wagner’s Ring Cycle, and most recently Evenings with the French Horn, featuring Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été arranged by Mark Papworth for horn and piano and Adolphe Blanc’s Sonata pour cor et piano, a tour de force of technical prowess and romantic expressions on both instruments. Rosa is an extremely versatile musician, and is highly skilled in the interpretation of many musical styles as well as being a proficient improviser.

Rosa resides in New Plymouth. She appeared as soloist with the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra in 2023, playing the Gershwin Concerto in F, and last year performing Rachmaninov Variations on a Theme of Paganini with Guest Conductor Uwe Grodd, both to great acclaim. She has presented a number of solo concerts. She has expanded her teaching practice to include many promising local students, and has become a sought-after accompanist for competitions and concerts.

For up-to-date information about Taranaki Symphony Orchestra

see our website:

http://sites.google.com/site/taranakisorchestra

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Friends of the Orchestra

Why not become a Friend of the Orchestra and receive regular updates on what the Orchestra is doing? Email Anne at: anne.bovett@xtra.co.nz or phone Anne at 751 2670, or write to: Taranaki Symphony Orchestra, c/o 30 Hine St, New Plymouth

ORCHESTRAL PLAYERS

Violin 1:

Norine Dixon

Alice Obreja-Damian

Lily Ridder

Chris Rose

Anne Yu

Jaye Warder

Violin 2:

Margarietha Gray

Aidan Williams

Amy Mills

Solveig Schuster

Bodhi Danenhauer

Viola:

Susan Case

Joel Dodd

Dora Tsao

Cello:

Virginia Hopkins

Barbara Mitchell

Sally Christiansen

Bass:

Robert Greenfield

Jenny Luxmoore

Elizabeth Wright

Shane Herbert

Flute:

Jocelyn Beath

Amelia Luke

Piccolo:

Rosene Spence

Oboe:

Jo Henderson

Reiko Baughman

Clarinet:

Suzanne Scott

Christopher Luke

Bassoon:

Peggy Chen

Gordon Skinner

Trumpet:

James Walker

Raimond Jacquemard

Horn:

Jim Scrivener

Gary Bovett

Jeremy Wilkinson

Colin Bright

Trombone:

Alan Ramage-Brown

Craig Luxmoore

Errol Christiansen

Tuba:

Ryan Shoemark

Timpani:

Anne Bovett

Percussion:

Tomas Verbeek

Emma Warren

Music Director:

Christopher Luke

Patron:

Sir William Southgate

Principal Guest Conductor:

Uwe Grodd

Music Director Emeritus:

Adam Jasinski

Concertmaster Emeritus:

John Howes

LIFE MEMBERS

Chris Beath

Jocelyn Beath

Mark Birch

Anne Bovett

Gary Bovett

Susan Case

Amanda Crehan

John Howes

Joan Gaines

Adam Jasinski

Craig Luxmoore

Jenny Luxmoore

Michael Price

Pauline Atkinson Rigby

James Scrivener

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