Ahead ... Berlin Phil

The Perth Theatre Trust and the Perth Concert Hall World Orchestra Series continues in 2010 with the inaugural Australian tour of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Recognised as the world's greatest orchestra, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear these historic premier performances in Australia’s finest acoustics.

“I’ve long thought this the greatest orchestra of them all.” Los Angeles Times

“If you’re looking for romantic depth and sheer beauty of tone, then you’ve come to the right band. In fact, there are moments where a particular theme is so achingly lovely that you almost forget to breathe.” BBC Review

CONDUCTOR, SIR SIMON RATTLE

“Rattle threatened to take the lid off the Albert Hall… music to inhale, to swoon to, to exult in.” The Independent (UK)

Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Sir Simon Rattle is one of the most revered and dynamic conductors of our time. Bursting onto the world stage at 25 with his transformation of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, he has gone on to win accolades for his commitment to new music and for his refreshing approach to repertoire. Sir Simon has had stellar relationships with the great ensembles of the world including the Boston Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra’s.

When appointed to the Berliner Philharmoniker in 2002 he joined an astounding line-up of conductors who have worked with the great ensemble including: Hans von Bülow, Wilhelm Fürtwangler, Herbert von Karajan and Claudio Abbado. Of his ‘great love’ Sir Simon best describes the essence of these concerts… “Music is no mere luxury, but instead a fundamental need. Music must be a vital and essential element in the life of each individual.”

SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2010, 2PM

HAYDN
Symphony 99, E flat Major

ALBAN BERG
'3 Pieces for Orchestra', op. 6 (version 1929)

BRAHMS
Symphony No 2, D Major, op. 73

What more appropriate statement of musical integrity than these masterworks from the heart of Haydn and Brahms; rightly holding place as the first composers to feature in this historic premiere performance by the great Berliner Philharmoniker. In the classical genius of these giants of composition and through this performance the clarity and control that sets this astounding ensemble apart from all others will be revealed. These two great works are balanced in perfect symmetry as they sit in contrast to the later contemporary spirit of Alban Berg.

SUNDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2010, 8PM

RACHMANINOV
‘Symphonic Dances’

MAHLER
Symphony No 1 in D Major

The masterworks from the giants of the classical pantheon continue in this second program. Without doubt, Rachmaninov and Mahler stand as two of the great evocative composers of the twentieth century. These compositions, so widely loved and treasured, will be revealed in spectacular glory by this great orchestra under the baton of its celebrated Chief Conductor. Together they will bring a new revelation and lustre to these seminal works that will long be remembered by those privileged to experience these exceptional master musicians crafting life long memories for their audience.