Enigma – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington

About this event

Edward Elgar’s greatest masterpiece remains swathed in mystery. His Enigma Variations, a set of 14 variations on a theme you never actually hear, has been the subject of both intense scrutiny and great love, thanks to the compositional genius and throbbing heart pulsing in these compelling variations. Similarly, Saint-Saëns’ Fifth Piano Concerto has beguiled audiences with its Eastern-inspired sounds — hence its Egyptian nickname. To weave his own spell on us, legendary pianist Sir Stephen Hough returns to our shores. Praised by Limelight for possessing “an other-worldly stillness and strength [and] the perfect technique combined with the utmost poetic fluency”, Hough promises to transport us to another world. We proudly premiere Ross Harris’ Concerto for Orchestra. A four-time winner of the SOUNZ Contemporary Award, Harris’ artistry and bold vision electrifies this newly commissioned work, driving the orchestra to new heights.

Cast & creative

• 

  Piano

  Stephen Hough
• 

  Conductor

  Gemma New
• 

  Conductor

  Gemma New
• 

  Conductor

  Gemma New
• R

  Composer

  Ross Harris
• C

  Composer

  Camille Saint-Saëns
• E

  Composer

  Edward Elgar