Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents “Last Songs”

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents “Last Songs” on Saturday 11th November 2023, 7.30 p.m. at Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch

Trailblazing composer Lili Boulanger’s captivating tone poem D’un matin de printemps exudes the playfulness and colour of spring. It was to be her last composition before succumbing to illness at the age of just 24.

It is impossible not to be moved by Richard Strauss’ Four Last Songs, which were to be his last songs, brimming with evocative word painting giving musical wings to bird song, sunsets, starry skies, and feelings of nostalgia. Award-winning young New Zealand soprano Eliza Boom brings her rich voice back to our shores to make this heartbreakingly beautiful poetry soar.

Stravinsky’s Petrushka leads the orchestra to climactic heights, born out of a commission from Ballet Russes choreographer Sergei Diaghilev in 1911. Petrushka charts the tale of a puppet who comes to life, is burdened with human emotions in the process, and after dying in a duel comes back as a ghost to torment his puppet maker. For seasoned orchestral fans and newcomers alike: nobody flaunts the magic of live orchestral music quite like Stravinsky.

Benjamin Northey – Chief Conductor
Eliza Boom – Soprano
Boulanger – D’un matin de printemps
Strauss – Four Last Songs
Stravinsky – Petrushka (1947)