Sydney Reviews

Left – Mark Wigglesworth. Photo – Ben Ealovega

New Horizons was a triumphant celebration of symphonic sound delivered by an unusual program and world-class musicians. Themed New Horizons, the concert presented W. Lutoslawski’s Symphony No. 4 (1992), W. A. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K467 (1785) and A. Dvorák’s Symphony No. 9, New World (1893). Pioneering essays in symphonic writing collided and merged to unlock the power and the secrets of the orchestra.

The program started with a twentieth century piece by Witlof Lutoslawski which extracts novel orchestral sonorities and structures that surprised and stunned the audience. Being the first piece in the program, guaranteed audience interest in spite of the unfamiliar language. Mark Wigglesworth conducted with familiarity and ease, creating masterfully the scattered structure and subtle colours of the symphony. The orchestra produced magnificent fresh textures.

The next piece went back to dangerously familiar territory; Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 in C, K467 is almost a household item today. This rendition did not disappoint. On the contrary, under Mark Wigglesworth the orchestra surpassed expectations with refreshing phrasing and dynamics.

Stephen Hough (piano) transported Mozart’s writing into a sacred experience. His impeccable technique and immaculate reading of the score were coupled with a very rare quality – a centre of attention and inner mindfulness which are only present in the work of great masters. This produced an immense effect on the audience and brought him back to the stage several times. Hough’s encore paid homage to Dvorák. During his performance of ‘Songs my mother taught me’, the fourth song in the cycle ‘Gypsy Songs’, more than 2000 people were in the palm of his hand. The silence at the end was a sign of a musician having conveyed all truth and beauty.

The final piece was Dvorák’s majestic last symphony which searches for the new voice of North American music but stays firmly in the harmonic language of the late nineteenth century. In this energetic interpretation, Mark Wigglesworth used every cell of his body and especially his piercing eyes to lead the orchestra. The crowd was satisfied to hear another recognizable sound and the full force of a large orchestra.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is young-looking orchestra which has the ambitions to become one of the world’s best. This program attests to excellent programming and collaboration with an outstanding conductor and an exceptional pianist. The performance was broadcast live by ABC Classic FM.


Sydney Symphony Orchestra presents
Dvorák’s New World Symphony: New Horizons

Conductor Mark Wigglesworth

Venue: Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
Dates: 12 – 15 October, 2011
Bookings: www.sydneysymphony.com






Written by Daniela Kaleva, University of South Australia