‘Everything around is broken and mouldering, and the bright sky shines in. I believe I have found today in that old chapel the beginning of my Scottish symphony.’ Mendelssohn
We travel to a land of soaring mountains and haunting myths, conjuring up the evocative drama of Scotland – from its folk music to its landscape – in the company of pianist Ronald Brautigam and saxophonist Amy Dickson.
Legendary Dutch pianist Ronald Brautigam makes his debut with Aurora in one of Mozart’s darkest works, the D-minor Piano Concerto, adored for its tragic expressive character. It’s no surprise that Beethoven admired this concerto above all other Mozart piano concertos and only ever performed this one in public.
The evocative atmosphere continues into Mendelssohn’s ‘Scottish’ Symphony, a work inspired by the composer’s travels to the Highlands, where he was mesmerised by the dramatic landscape and history. Also in the Scottish theme and continuing our series of commissions for 2019, we present a new work by one of the foremost composers of our time, James MacMillan. Written for Classic Brit Award winner Amy Dickson, this bright, punchy Saxophone Concerto spins traditional Scottish musical forms – a strathspey, reel, jig and Gaelic psalm singing – into vivid modern miniatures.
‘Stunning performances that are technically breathtaking, stylistically astute, emotionally intense and musically alive in every moment’ Gramophone on Ronald Brautigam
Other events:
Pre-concert talk: Ronald Brautigam and Amy Dickson with Nicholas Collon
6pm – Free, but ticketed (advance booking strongly recommended)
The Lock-In: Mozart in the Garden
9:15pm – A reimagining of our interactive children’s concert for grown-ups
James MacMillan’s Saxophone Concerto is co-commissioned by Aurora Orchestra, Perth Concert Hall and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra.
Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 is generously supported by an individual who wishes to remain anonymous.
Mozart’s Piano is generously supported by:
The Parabola Foundation (principal supporter)
An Anonymous Donor
Nicholas & Margo Snowman
Aurora Orchestra’s Concerto Patrons & Friends
Aurora gratefully acknowledges the additional support of Bärenreiter and Green & Fortune for the Mozart’s Piano series.