Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents “White Horses”

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra presents “White Horses” on Saturday 6th May 2023, 7.30 p.m. in Douglas Lilburn Auditorium, Christchurch Town Hall, Kilmore Street, Christchurch

This concert shines the spotlight on two talented New Zealanders. Now Brooklyn-based Gemma Peacocke’s White Horses was inspired by the mystery of Viva Waud Farmar, WWI nurse and one of Aotearoa’s first female pilots.

Christchurch-born violinist Benjamin Morrison is the only New Zealander to win a seat in the Vienna Philharmonic, and he returns to dazzle hometown audiences with Dvořák’s virtuosic Violin Concerto. Brahms’ second symphony is often described as a cheerful ‘pastoral,’ but also features stormy moments, and is best experienced live for the full rush of symphonic waves. Brahms spoke candidly about the challenges of being a young German composer writing symphonies in Beethoven’s shadow, but his four symphonies have become beloved staples of the Romantic orchestral repertoire.

Jessica Cottis – Conductor
Benjamin Morrison – Violin
Gemma Peacocke – White Horses
(Co-commission with APO)
Dvořák – Violin Concerto
Brahms – Symphony No 2