Marc Taddei conducting Orchestra Wellington and the Orpheus Choir Photo: Creative Latitude
ADES: …but all shall be well
BRITTEN: Violin Concerto in D minor Op 15
PRASTITI: Ákri (premiere)
WALTON: Belshazzar’s Feast
Amalia Hall (violin), Benson Wilson (baritone), Orpheus Choir Wellington, Wellington Brass Band, Hutt City Brass, Orchestra Wellington/Marc Taddei
In August 2023, Orchestra Wellington presented "Prophecy", reflecting the visionary and forward-looking nature of the music, exploring themes of fate, destiny, and the human condition.
Relevant Tones - Thomas Ades Photo: Supplied
The concert opened with Thomas Adès's '…but all shall be well', a piece inspired by T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets and Julian of Norwich’s Consolations. Adès's composition draws listeners into an intimate world, shifting expectations with delicate chimes and evolving melodies. The brass leads a powerful climax before the music returns to its serene opening. Loosely based on Britten’s War Requiem, the instrumentation features a concertino and a larger group echoing and harmonizing the melodies. Written in 1993, this is its New Zealand premiere. Enjoy the journey through Adès's masterful soundscape.
Amalia Hall (violin), Orchestra Wellington/Marc Taddei
Next, Orchestra Wellington performed Benjamin Britten's Violin Concerto, featuring their talented concertmaster Amalia Hall on violin.
Benjamin Britten Photo: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
This concerto, completed in 1939, is deeply influenced by the turbulent events of its time. Britten began sketching the work after hearing Alban Berg’s violin concerto in 1936, which he described as “just shattering-very simply & touching, sublime, vital & so intellectually emotional.” This profound experience left a lasting impression on Britten, inspiring him to create his own violin concerto.
The shadow of war lies heavily across this piece. The impending tragedy of the Spanish Civil War and the onset of World War II deeply troubled Britten, and these anxieties are woven into the fabric of the music. At the same time, Britten was experiencing a personal transformation, falling in love with the tenor Peter Pears. This mix of global turmoil and personal joy creates a unique emotional tension within the concerto.
Violinist Amalia Hall Photo: NZSO
Tonight’s violin soloist, Amalia Hall, has garnered international acclaim for her "blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity". She has won numerous prestigious awards, including top prizes at the Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition and the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. She currently serves as Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and is a member of the NZTrio, described as "New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble".
Prastiti is a Greek/New Zealand composer known for her diverse musical contributions and distinctive vocal style.
Briar Prastiti Photo: Supplied by composer
Ákri, was written as part of Orchestra Wellington’s Mentorship Program, under the mentorship of John Psathas. Being of Greek heritage, Briar was drawn to the word Ákri (Ακρη), meaning ‘edge’, signifying the experience of belonging to two different cultures.
“One is on the edge of belonging to each culture, but never wholly to either. This internal dilemma brings many questions about identity, creating dramatic contrasts in the emotional landscape, from a sense of belonging and calm, to a sense of angst and existential dissonance.”
Benson Wilson (baritone), Orpheus Choir Wellington, Wellington Brass Band, Hutt City Brass, Orchestra Wellington/Marc Taddei
Composed in 1931, 'Belshazzar's Feast' quickly became one of Walton's most celebrated compositions.
The text, selected by Osbert Sitwell, is drawn from the Bible, primarily the Book of Daniel and Psalm 137. The story recounts the Jews' exile in Babylon and the sacrilegious feast held by King Belshazzar, who uses sacred Jewish vessels to praise heathen gods. This act of blasphemy leads to Belshazzar's sudden death and the fall of Babylon, ultimately resulting in the Jews' liberation. The cantata's powerful narrative is matched by Walton's bold orchestration and vivid choral writing, creating a work that is both thrilling and profound.
William Walton in 1928 Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Fair Use
One of the most distinctive features of "Belshazzar's Feast" is its unique orchestration, which includes a large orchestra, a baritone soloist, and a massive choir often divided into eight parts. Walton also incorporated two brass bands into the score, a suggestion made by Sir Thomas Beecham, who remarked, “As you’ll never hear the thing again, my boy, why not throw in a couple of brass bands?”. This addition creates a rich, layered sound that enhances the drama and intensity of the music. The brass bands, along with a battery of percussion, add a striking and powerful dimension to the work, making it a truly unforgettable listening experience.
