Swiss Maestro performs Beethoven's romantic masterpieces

Bringing a contemporary perspective to the most prominent figure in classical music, Swiss conductor Baldur Brönnimann takes on the works of Beethoven at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®.

Brönnimann conducts at the second concert of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Splendour of Beethoven series on Thursday, 3 July at 8pm.

The combination of the Swiss maestro, who has built a reputation for his command of contemporary scores, with the music of the eternal radical Beethoven is bound to be thrilling. Brönnimann lends to the dynamic music the freshness and energy he is known for; and he is excited about the prospect of leading the “Emperor” – Beethoven’s final concerto.

Written at a time when Beethoven was afflicted by hearing-loss, the composer felt compelled to imbue his score with unprecedented detail. Consequently, the “Emperor” is one of the first great piano-versus-orchestra concertos. Performing it on the night will be award-winning pianist Bernd Glemser.

The German recording artist cemented his position in the critical limelight after the remarkable feat of carrying off top prizes in no less than 17 international competitions. Since then he has gone on to be one of the most highly regarded of the current generation of pianists, with numerous awards and accolades, including comparisons to the great Vladimir Horowitz.

The concert also features a rare performance of Beethoven’s concert aria “Ah, Perfido!” performed by Auckland soprano Morag Atchison, a bright local talent who can easily take her place among the series’ top flight European guest artists.

Rounding out the evening will be the powerful fourth symphony, with Beethoven at his most inventive and exciting.

“We’re thrilled to have Baldur Brönnimann back behind the podium,” says APO Chief Executive, Barbara Glaser. “His dynamic approach to conducting was enthusiastically received last year, and his addition to this concert enhances what is already an incredible series.”

A limited number of single tickets to Splendour of Beethoven Concert 2 ($20-$95) are available from Ticketek, Ph 09 307 5139, www.ticketek.co.nz.