This July, Auckland Phil is serving up two sensational concerts featuring ‘poised and monstrously talented’ (Philadelphia Enquirer) violinist Benjamin Beilman as soloist. Under the baton of conductor Giordano Bellincampi, the American violinist will showcase his sublime talents and versatility in Mendelssohn’s famous concerto on 16 July, followed by Nielsen’s powerful, rugged concerto on 30 July.
Beilman makes a welcome return to the Auckland Phil following his impressive 2023 New Zealand debut, in which he performed ‘difficult passagework with effortless delicacy’ (NZ Herald). These two July performances are the only New Zealand stops on his Australasian tour and follow a run of appearances with Sydney Symphony Orchestra.
On 16 July, Beilman graces the Auckland Town Hall stage with Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, a technically challenging masterpiece that is beloved the world over. Alongside this, Bellincampi will lead the orchestra in Beethoven’s playful Second Symphony, an exuberant piece that captivates throughout: from its generous slow movement to its breathless finale.
Then on 30 July, Beilman returns for what promises to be a definitive performance of the dazzling concerto by Bellincampi’s compatriot, Carl Nielsen. This concert opens with Lilburn’s nostalgic Drysdale Overture, in which the Kiwi composer pays tribute to the isolated farm in the Turakina Valley where he grew up. Breaking with convention of this composer’s earlier symphonies, Mozart’s translucent, sunlit Symphony No.39 features a prominence of clarinet and rounds off the programme with weightless elegance.
The perfect pairing of Beilman and Bellincampi in these two concerts is not to be missed. Book now at aucklandphil.nz
Classic Series: Mendelssohn’s Violin
7.30pm, Thursday 16 July
Auckland Town Hall
Conductor Giordano Bellincampi
Violin Benjamin Beilman
Schubert Overture in the Italian Style in D
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Beethoven Symphony No.2
Presented in association with ICBC
The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Mozart 39
7.30pm, Thursday 30 July
Auckland Town Hall
Conductor Giordano Bellincampi
Violin Benjamin Beilman
Lilburn Drysdale Overture
Nielsen Violin Concerto
Mozart Symphony No.39