Fantastique

Tom Woods conductor
Maxim Rysanov viola
Christchurch City Choir

Kancheli Styx
Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique

Saturday 10th November, 7.30pm
Aurora Centre

In this work for solo viola, chorus and orchestra, the Georgian composer farewells two friends and colleagues. It’s a tender, heartfelt tribute which reflects Kancheli’s musical technique of slow excerpts of melody set against long, anguished string sections. There are moments when his musical textures are almost liturgical, reflecting traditional Georgian church music and the country’s distinctive polyphonic choral singing.

Winner of the Classic FM Gramophone Young Artist of the Year Award 2008 and the BBC New Generation Award 2007-2009, charismatic viola player Maxim Rysanov joins us and the Christchurch City Choir in what promises to be an unforgettable performance.
Never a man to hold back, Hector Berlioz entitled this work An episode in the life of an artist in five parts. It’s been described as a programme symphony written as the Romantic Movement was gaining momentum.

Whatever your definition, the enfante terrible of early 19th century French music sweeps us away on a heady tide of love, passion, high and low life, crime and punishment. And for good measure, there’s a hint of illicit drugs and despair. The music reflects the mood as Berlioz plunges into this fantastic world with enthusiasm, ending as the drugged artist slips further into sleep. Berlioz revised the original composition between 1831 and 1845 when it became a wild success. It’s remained a favourite ever since.