A triumphant final chapter in the Auckland PO's Beethoven cycle

Giordano Bellincampi conducts the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

The Auckland Philharmonia and combined choirs perform Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

By Simon Holden, 05 March 2023

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“finding humour in Beethoven is one of Bellincampi’s strong points”

Reviewed at Auckland Town Hall: Great Hall, Auckland on 2 March 2023

Beethoven, Symphony no. 8 in F major, Op.93

Beethoven, Symphony no. 9 in D minor "Choral", Op.125

Giordano Bellincampi, Conductor

Kirstin Sharpin, Soprano

Sally-Anne Russell, Soprano

Manase Latu, Tenor

Samuel Dundas, Baritone

Combined choir

Auckland Philharmonia

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In Daisy Evans’ conception, as Judith briefly reconnects with the joy and tragedy of her past, the effect is nothing short of devastating.

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Simon Holden, 19th September

Director Anapela Polata’ivao handles her mixed forces of amateurs and professionals with seamless assurance, the crowds’ movements across the stage showing both clarity and intent.

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Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

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New Zealand Opera's new production impresses with its stunning set design and art direction, and its restrained emotional tone.

***11

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Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

Disappointing Bach in Auckland

Simon Holden, 2nd May

David Fray's mannered Bach is a let-down, but Karl-Heinz Steffens brings out the spacious majesty in Bruckner's Ninth Symphony.

**111

Brandenburg Echoes in Auckland

Simon Holden, 18th April

With all soloists demonstrating charming ornamentation, a wonderful sense of fun and ease pervades the APO's performance.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.