close
MENU
1 mins to read

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra takes on Europe

NZSO Musikverein Vienna Saturday 6 NovemberThe New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has proved it is in the same league as the world's best after performing to a rapturous reception tonight at Vienna's Musikverein, Europe's most hallowed concert hall.The NZSO p

John Daly-Peoples
Sun, 07 Nov 2010

NZSO
Musikverein Vienna
Saturday 6 November

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has proved it is in the same league as the world's best after performing to a rapturous reception tonight at Vienna's Musikverein, Europe's most hallowed concert hall.

The NZSO performed by invitation to a sold-out audience in Vienna, playing New Zealand composer Douglas Lilburn's Aotearoa, as well as works by Tchaikovsky and Sibelius.

Music director Pietari Inkinen returned to the stage for multiple calls and two encores before an audience.

Mr Inkinen said the performance had been career-defining. "It was definitely one of the best concerts of my career so far. The orchestra played the best I've heard them play, and the audience was so rapturous - even more than I would ever have imagined."

NZSO Violinist Andrew Thomson at Musikverein.jpg NZSO Violinist Andrew Thomson at Musikverein

Mr Finlayson said the Musikverein was arguably the world's top venue and the concert was extremely important for New Zealand's reputation.

"We all know the NZSO is a world-class orchestra and we've now shown that to the Viennese, who are well-known for being among the most critical audiences in the world."

The acoustically-perfect Musikverein is considered among the finest venues ever built and is the classical music equivalent of playing test rugby at Twickenham.

The Vienna concert represents the highlight of the NZSO's biggest ever international tour. The orchestra performs next in Switzerland, and ends its 12-date tour in Germany on 16 November.

John Daly-Peoples
Sun, 07 Nov 2010
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra takes on Europe
10101
false