A Journey Through the Violin’s Greatest Icons

Sunday 7 December, 3:00 PM
Symphonia Hall

Symphonia Music is delighted to present A Journey Through the Violin’s Greatest Icons, a compelling programme showcasing some of the most virtuosic, expressive and historically significant works ever written for the violin.

The concert features violinist Yanghe Yu and collaborative pianist Rosemary Song joined later in the programme by guest violinist Andrew Beer, in an unforgettable afternoon of musical mastery spanning Tartini, Kreisler, Ysaÿe, Bach, Bartók and more.

Programme

Manuel Ponce – Estrellita (arr. Jascha Heifetz)

Antonín Dvořák – Songs My Mother Taught Me (arr. Fritz Kreisler)

Giuseppe Tartini – Devil’s Trill Sonata (arr. Fritz Kreisler)

Eugène Ysaÿe – Sonata for Solo Violin No. 2, Op. 27

Intermission

Béla Bartók – Selections from 44 Duos for Two Violins
(Nos. 16, 19, 33, 35, 39, 43, 44)

Johann Sebastian Bach – Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004

Heinrich Wilhelm Ernst – The Last Rose of Summer

Pablo de Sarasate – Navarra, Op. 33
(for two violins and piano)

Musicians

Yanghe Yu – Violin

Concertmaster of Bach Musica NZ and the Hawkes Bay Orchestra, Yanghe has performed with major ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony, New World Symphony, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. His solo career includes appearances in Beijing, Norway, the US, and throughout New Zealand. He holds a Master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying under Wei He, Catherine Van Hoesen, and Kathleen Winkler.

Andrew Beer – Violin (Guest Artist)

Concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia since 2014, Andrew is internationally acclaimed for his solo, chamber, and orchestral work. He has appeared as guest concertmaster with leading orchestras worldwide and has performed at major festivals including Tanglewood, Aspen and Prussia Cove. His award-winning album 11 Frames highlights his commitment to New Zealand music. 

Rosemary Song – Collaborative Pianist

An Auckland-based collaborative pianist and educator, Rosemary holds Master of Music degrees from the Sydney Conservatorium and University of New England. She has extensive experience performing across Australia and New Zealand, and currently works as a collaborative pianist at the University of Auckland and director of Symphonua Music. She is also an Orff-Schulwerk instructor and an active music teacher.

On-site parking available.

Tickets are fully refundable for any reason, provided notification is given before the event’s scheduled start time.