Historic concert for NZSO with popular British conductor Sir Andrew Davis

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, 
Messiaen, Eclairs sur l’au-delà (Illuminations of the Beyond)
Conductor, Sir Andrew Davis
Wellington
Michael Fowler Centre Friday
July 8
Auckland
ASB Theatre
July 9

For the first time in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s history, it will be joined with the NZSO National Youth Orchestra to perform French composer Olivier Messiaen’s hypnotic last work Eclairs sur l’au-delà” (Illuminations of the Beyond).

This rarely performed work features a huge orchestra of 123 players consisting of an oversized woodwind section (10 flutes, 10 clarinets), six horns, five trumpets, and 12 percussion parts, including a wind machine and xylorimba (a cross between a xylophone and a marimba). This is a landmark musical event for New Zealand and conducted by one of the world’s most acclaimed conductors, Sir Andrew Davis.

Famous for his humorous speeches at Last Night at the Proms, Sir Andrew Davis is one of today’s most recognised conductors with a career spanning more than 40 years in which time he has conducted virtually all the world's major orchestras, opera companies, and festivals.

Of the work Sir Andrew says: “Messiaen had a unique connection with New Zealand. He wove native New Zealand birdsong into several of his compositions, including this impressive final work of his, so it will be a real privilege to conduct this wonderful work in a country which inspired him as a composer.”

“Eclairs sur l’au-delà” is in 11 parts, a succession of colourful sound pictures that contain an entire universe, from 48 different bird songs (including some from New Zealand) to musical suggestions of exploding stars. It is a mysterious work,about which Messiaen left no explanation. However, his wife Yvonne Loriod, who was asked to explain it to conductor Zubin Mehta called it a full and final expression of Messiaen’s creativity, “a work of faith … which comprises all the discoveries about rhythm, harmony and melody.”

The third movement L’Oiseau-lyre et la Ville-fiancée”(The Lyrebird and the Bridal City) was a result of his time in Australia where he encountered the lyrebird. This movement likens the bird and its plumage to the Bridal City in the Book of Revelations.

The ninth movement, Plusieurs oiseaux des arbres de Vie’ (Several birds from the tree of life),  is a complex web of 22 birdsongs includes music inspired by the tui.

Illuminations is the ultimate musical experience for those wanting to hear something they may never get the chance to hear live again – a groundbreaking concert for music and bird lovers all around New Zealand.

Tune into NBR Radio’s Sunday Business with Andrew Patterson on Sunday morning, for analysis and feature-length interviews.