NZSO: Elgar & Straus

Edo de Waart, Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Photo: Jesse Willems

MENDELSSOHN: Hebrides Overture

Beginning with Felix Mendelssohn’s evocative Hebrides overture. Inspired by the stunning scenery of the Scottish Hebrides islands, this overture (also known as Fingal’s Cave) suggests crashing waves and the cavernous, watery depths of the ocean.

ELGAR: Sea Pictures

The profound beauty of the sea inspired Edward Elgar’s exquisite song cycle, Sea Pictures. Sung by Michelle DeYoung, whose lustrous mezzo-soprano voice has made her a star, her voice swims sweetly through the thrilling depths and brooding melodies of Elgar’s exquisite score.

STRAUSS: An Alpine Symphony

Moving from sea to land, Richard Strauss’ epic Alpine Symphony outlines a day in the Bavarian Alps with a ferocious intensity. In the mountainous grandeur of this symphonic tone poem, you’ll need an expert guide. Maestro Edo de Waart, famed for the universality and profound humanity of his interpretations, leads us through a concert in awed contemplation of the Great Outdoors.

Michelle DeYoung (mezzo), New Zealand SO/Edo de Waart

Recorded at the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, 2017 by RNZ Concert.