ASO Season 2019 redefines what it means to be a Symphony Orchestra in the 21st Century

Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Conductor Nicholas Carter is set to lead the orchestra in another rich and varied program that promises to let the music in and deliver something of appeal to everyone. Through music, ASO continues to play a leading role in nurturing the cultural life of our vibrant state, nourishing the souls of South Australians. The 2019 Season includes more than 100 concerts and features international conductors, in addition to world class composers and soloists from Austria, Britain, Canada, China, Estonia, France, Israel, Italy, Netherland, Ukraine, US, Russia, Scotland and South Africa. In total we present 33 soloists:12 from Australia and 21 from across the globe. A total of 19 Australian artists and 82 South Australian Artists feature throughout the season.

ASO Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello tonight reveals the depth of the program, with the flagship Master Series, Classics Unwrapped, Gigs at Grainger and Mozart at Elder all returning in addition to a series of Special Events and another outstanding Showcase Series that will ignite and introduce new audiences to the Orchestra for the first time.

Of the 2019 Season, Ciccarello said, “The ASO’s program continues to explore music of many genres and, along the way, to redefine what it means to be a “symphony orchestra” in the 21^st century.

“Our relationships with our dynamic artistic leadership team of Principal Conductor Nicholas Carter, Principal Guest Conductor Mark Wigglesworth, Artist in Association Pinchas Zukerman, Composer in Association Cathy Milliken and Emerging Artist in Association Grace Clifford continue to progress to another level of maturity and mutual understanding.”

Principal Conductor Nicholas Carter remains at the helm of the leadership team for his fourth and final year. He said, “Every time I step onto the podium, I hope that through the alchemy that takes place in the orchestra, one is humbled, challenged and inspired to connect more deeply with our inner selves and each other.

“It is this through this deep form of non-verbal communication that we hope to provide a reminder of what’s wonderful in our lives; to illuminate and revel in some of the greatest artistic utterances of humanity, through which our own lives are enriched and inspired.

“And so, in my final year as Principal Conductor of this world-class Orchestra, I invite you all to come on a musical journey of self discovery with us in Season 2019.”

ASO’s flagship Master Series returns with ten programs, featuring internationally renowned conductors including: Mark Wigglesworth (UK), Stephen Layton (UK), Benjamin Northey (AUS), Dalia Stasevska (FIN/ UKR), Douglas Boyd (UK), Nicholas Buc (AUS), as well as an equally stellar line-up of soloists including: violinists; Pinchas Zukerman, Grace Clifford (AUS), Simone Lamsma (HOL) and Anthony Marwood (UK); cellist Amanda Forsyth (US); pianists Louis Lortie (FRA/CAN) and Stephen Hough (UK) along with ASO’s bassoon Mark Gaydon, clarinet Dean Newcomb and French horn Adrian Uren.

Don’t miss the Master Series which features the great composers in repertoire ranging from the Baroque to living music of today:Elgar, Sibelius, Ravel, Respighi, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, Bruckner, Rachmaninov, Vaughan Williams, Brahms, Schumann, Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, Cathy Milliken, Avner Dorman and John Adams. In a new offering the Master Series includes two matinee concerts.

Raising the baton at three of the Master Series concerts is internationally renowned and Olivier award-winning Principal Guest Conductor Mark Wigglesworth. Of the program Mark said, ““It is a joy for me to share with Adelaide audiences the experience of hearing these great works. The Masters Series demonstrates why the ASO is such a thrilling and versatile ensemble and why listening to its music-making is such a privilege.”

Be it breathtaking, sublime, whimsical or grandiose, the ASO’s Master Series will set the mood in 2019 and is once again proudly sponsored by Platinum Partner China Southern Airlines.

“Music can unite the world and China Southern Airlines is committed to forging global connections. In 2019 we are proud to once again partner with the ASO.” John Yu, Managing Director, China Southern Airlines.

ASO presents a series of special events and continues to collaborate with some of the greatest Australian and International cultural institutions and leading creative bodies.

Natsuko Yoshimoto, ASO Concertmaster says, “Our special events truly highlight the orchestra’s adaptability in diverse styles and cultures. From the delightful and miraculous colours of Mozart’s The Magic Flute to the world of energetic and vibrant Chinese music, we hope that you, the audience can join us on this exciting journey.”

The full strength of the orchestra is unleashed to launch 2019 in spectacular fashion with its Season Opening Gala, 2 February, Festival Theatre. Conducted by Benjamin Northey, Australian virtuoso Simon Tedeschi will ignite proceedings with a popular and personal favourite: Grieg’s Piano Concerto.

Celebrate the Year of the Pig in a concert that unites cultures through the power of music Chinese New Year Concert, in association with Adelaide Festival Centre, 10 February Festival Theatre. This family event draws on both the old and new, from China and the West, and will be led by Australian conductor, Dane Lam, Principal Conductor of China’s Xi’an Symphony Orchestra; the concert features the Australian-Chinese Cellist, Li-Wei Qin.

Another outstanding collaboration with Adelaide Festival is The Magic Flute presented by the Adelaide Festival in association with State Opera of South Australia, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Adelaide Festival Centre by arrangement with Arts Projects Australia. Barrie Kosky and Suzanne Andrade have married live action with animation to give audiences of all ages and experience an opera that is musically and visually sublime. 1 – 3 March, Festival Theatre.

What took Beethoven 15 years and five piano concertos to achieve in Vienna will be retold and relived by Australian virtuoso pianist Jayson Gillham in Beethoven: The Piano Concertos in four concerts over two weeks in Adelaide, conducted by Nicholas Carter, 5–15 June, Elder Hall. As part of this special event; and for the first time ever with Australian artists, ABC Classics will record all Beethoven Piano Concertos live for future commercial release.

“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.” Ludwig van Beethoven

ASO’s crowd pleasing concert Showcase Series is back.

Conductor Guy Noble says, “Ever popular, the ASO’s Showcase series features the music that we all know and love from movie hits to patriotic anthems. Sure to put a smile on your face.”

In 2019 the ASO performs the third tribute concert to iconic musicians that have shaped popular music of our time. Prince was a singer-songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, and actor who gifted the world with his amazing music. Let’s go crazy: A Symphonic Tribute to Prince 15 & 16 February, Festival Theatre. Let’s go crazy with Little Red Corvette, Kiss, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World and, of course, Purple Rain performed live by a stellar cast iOTA, Brendan Maclean, Prinnie Stevens and ASO musicians.

Orianthi one of the worlds greatest female electric guitarists will bring her purple guitar and rock the stage. Explore the legacy of this music legend and cultural icon with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in a concert to be remembered.

“At heart Orianthi is a staggeringly dexterous player, capable of mastering next to any style and out shredding anyone.” Guitar Planet Magazine

The Force will be with the ASO appropriately on May the Fourth as we present a Disney production Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert. John Williams’ legendary score paired with one of the most critically-acclaimed films of all time will make this on screen and sound extravaganza one not to forget! Get your light sabres ready, 4 May, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena.

It’s on again! The much loved Last Night of the Proms returns to the Festival Theatre for an evening of pomp and ceremony, 23 & 24 August, Festival Theatre. Dress in your finery, bring your friends and pretend you’re in the Royal Albert Hall. Warm up your vocal chords and prepare for a fun night out with your host and conductor Guy Noble.

It wouldn’t be a showcase without Harry Potter back by popular demand and completing the Showcase Series. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ in Concert the fourth film adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter™ series. Soar like you’re riding a broomstick as Patrick Doyle’s score surrounds you. From the World Quidditch Cup™ to when the Dark Lord returns, you’ll be transported into the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter™. For one night only 14 September, Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena.

ASO Managing Director Vincent Ciccarello says, “This year’s Showcase Series demonstrates how the ASO presents distinctive orchestral concerts that celebrate music and artists across all genres. Our 2019 season delivers a program that inspires, challenges, educates and entertains. It is rich in diversity with a breadth that will appeal to audiences of all ages and across lifestyles and cultures. The ASO welcomes you whether you are an orchestral aficionado, season subscriber or a first-time ASO concert goer. We encourage you to come and let the music in.”

ASO continues its commitment to present bold new work. Master Series 4 Winter Fire concert features the World Premiere of a specially-composed Double Concerto written by Avner Dorman to celebrate Pinchas Zukerman’s 70^th Birthday (co-commissioned by the ASO, Boston Symphony Orchestra and National Arts Centre, Ottawa). Audiences will also hear a World Premiere by our Composer in Association, Cathy Milliken during Master Series 8 New Worlds.

Keep an ear out for announcements from cultural partners State Opera of South Australia and The Australian Ballet as together we present you with more memorable experiences in 2019.

ASO patrons won’t be disappointed as firm program favourites are once again included:

• Classics Unwrapped the inimitable Guy Noble returns to unwrap the best bite sized bits of classical music with some special guests.
• Gigs at Grainger – brings ASO and musical maestros together- relevant to a diverse audience of different backgrounds and musical preferences. This year’s concerts include a special night of ground-breaking new music and improvisation with award-winning composer and bassist Ross McHenry and in a rare collaboration with the ASO, legendary Robyn Archer explores German composers whose careers were dramatically interrupted by the advent of National Socialism in the 1930s
• Mozart at Elder –the  perennially popular lunchtime concert series continues at Elder Hall presented by Graham Abbott.

ASO nurtures future musicians and audiences through education and community outreach programs highlighting its long term commitment to music, ASO’s Learning and Family program does just that. Internationally acclaimed Paul Rissmann returns for the fifth year to bring alive an exciting Australian premiere and exceptional programs for students from Kindergarten to senior school.

The ASO continues its tradition of concerts for young and old inspired by glorious picture books. Paul Rissmann is an expert interactive story teller and, in an Australian premiere’ Rissmann brings his latest work Dreams of Air & Flight 2 August, Grainger Studio.

This soaring family concert inspired by FArTHER – the beautiful and poignant story by Grahame Baker-Smith about a young boy bewitched by his father’s unrelenting passion to fly – features music by Paul Rissmann set to stunning animations by Victor Craven.

Who Needs a Conductor, Anyway? Is a special collaboration on 28 May, Grainger Studio with Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Festival. Celebrated Australian pianist Simon Tedeschi tackles the question head on, along with the musicians of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra who’ll perform some of the most famous piano concertos of all time. He’ll put these and other questions to the test in a captivating concert for curious minds and ears.

Know someone under 30? Then introduce them to ASO’s #remastered program: attend an ASO concert followed by an after-party for people 30 years and under. Plus it’s the chance to get to know ASO players and our collaborators up close and personally. aso.com.au/advocates

To access a copy of the 2019 Season click https://www.aso.com.au/contact/2019-brochure

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Cheree McEwin, Publicist, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra

08 8233 6205 / 0416 181 679 / mcewinc@aso.com.au