Female conductor generates electricity

Female conductor generates electricity

“Never before have I been so reluctant to see a musician leave the stage.” [Lorin Maazel, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic and judge of the Maazel/Vilar Conductors’ Competition]

Chinese conductor, Xian Zhang, is on a musical fast track. Her dynamic podium presence and superb conducting technique resulted in her winning, (in 2002 at the age of just 29), the prestigious Maazel/Vilar Conductors’ Competition in New York. Competition judge Lorin Maazel travelled the world evaluating more than 250 conductors before the jury and he agreed on her as the clear winner.

In addition, Xian Zhang has recently made highly successful New York Philharmonic and Cincinnati Opera débuts; in May 2005 she makes her London Symphony début and tours with the European Youth Orchestra under the tutelage of Lorin Maazel.

On Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, Auckland audiences have the opportunity of experiencing this gifted conductor during the first concert of the Auckland Philharmonia’s 2004 Lion Foundation Midwinter Masterpieces.

The programme features Verdi’s La forza del destino Overture, Smetana’s Three dances from The Bartered Bride, Mozart’s Symphony No.40, and Schumman’s Cello Concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia’s Principal Cellist, John Eckstein, in the solo position.

Midwinter Masterpieces has been a part of the Auckland Philharmonia’s concert calendar since 1994, and has become renowned for its intimate and accessible style, with music chosen to appeal to seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.

Held in May, July and September, the three concerts in the 2004 Lion Foundation Midwinter Masterpieces are each performed on Saturday afternoon at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna and repeated the following afternoon at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell.

Lion Foundation Midwinter Masterpieces, Concert #1 Saturday 15 May – 4pm, Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna Sunday 16 May – 2pm, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell

Adult tickets from $29; concessions available. For bookings phone the Auckland Philharmonia on 0800 PHILHARMONIA (0800 744 542).

The second and third concerts in the Lion Foundation Midwinter Masterpieces are on: 3 & 4 July (with conductor Marc Taddei and pianist Tamas Vesmas) 4 & 5 September (with conductor Steven Smith and trumpeter Viktor Kisnichenko)

The Auckland Philharmonia gratefully acknowledges the Lion Foundation, the major sponsor of this series. The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

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