After the sad news of Sir Andrew Davis’ passing, Auckland Philharmonia’s upcoming concert on 7 November 2024 will be dedicated to the legacy of the late conductor and have a new concert title: The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Sir Andrew Davis: A Tribute (1944 – 2024).
Acclaimed German conductor, Karl-Heinz Steffens, himself an admirer of Sir Andrew’s stellar career on the podium, will step in to conduct this concert. Steffens makes a welcome return to the Auckland Town Hall stage after his impressive debut with Auckland Philharmonia earlier this year.
Karl-Heinz Steffens is currently Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, in Sweden. Prior to taking up the baton, he led a high-level career as a clarinettist, serving as Principal Clarinet of both the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has subsequently guest conducted both ensembles and is a regular guest with other leading European orchestras and opera houses.
Auckland Philharmonia’s Chief Executive, Diana Weir, says, "We are saddened that we won't have the opportunity to make music with Sir Andrew Davis, particularly Vaughan Williams’ music, of which he was the world’s leading interpreter. We are looking forward to welcoming back Karl-Heinz Steffens. The orchestra had wonderful chemistry with Karl-Heinz during his debut with us in May, and we look forward to honouring Sir Andrew Davis' legacy, as one of the most distinguished conductors of our time, in November."
This concert opens with two beloved Beethoven works: the theatrical Leonore Overture No.3, followed by his sunny Piano Concerto No.3 - which outstanding Argentinian pianist, Ingrid Fliter, will join the orchestra to perform. The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Sir Andrew Davis: A Tribute (1944 – 2024) programme also includes music by Vaughan Williams, a composer whose soul was ablaze with glory, pity and anger. His ballet, Job – A Masque for Dancing, based on the engravings of William Blake, is radiant, incandescent and life-affirming; one of Vaughan Williams’ greatest works.
This updated concert title of The New Zealand Herald Premier Series: Sir Andrew Davis: A Tribute (1944 – 2024) replaces the previously advertised title. Karl-Heinz Steffens replaces the previously advertised conductor, the late Sir Andrew Davis. The music programme is unchanged.
The New Zealand Herald Premier Series
Sir Andrew Davis: A Tribute (1944 – 2024)
7:30pm, Thursday 7 November
Auckland Town Hall
Conductor Karl-Heinz Steffens
Piano Ingrid Fliter
Beethoven Leonore Overture No.3
Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3
Vaughan Williams Job – A Masque for Dancing