Performer: Auckland Choral Society

De Waart once again showed a formidable grasp of the musical structure so that the occasional outbursts of violence made thematic sense and a strong feeling of tension led up to the final cry of despair.

And well should the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra celebrate too, if this concert is any indication of the quality of music-making to come.

A rendition of The Creation in Auckland that had one marvelling anew at Haydn’s ingenuity and spirit. 

On Thursday, a polar storm swept up New Zealand doing major damage to Wellington and, in the process, trapped the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra there as they prepared to fly to Auckland.