Programme

Wagner Lohengrin Prelude to Act 1  
Supported by The Wagner Society of New Zealand    
Dvořák Cello Concerto
Brahms Symphony No. 2

Iranian Austrian cellist Kian Soltani, described by Gramophone as “sheer perfection”, makes his NZSO debut performing Dvořák’s beloved Cello Concerto. Since attracting worldwide attention as the 2013 winner of the International Paulo Cello Competition, Soltani has become one of the most sought-after cellists performing today and is equally at home as a soloist or chamber musician. As a recording artist, his 2021 album Cello Unlimited gave a whole new voice to some of film’s greatest music.

Jansson Antmann from Limelight praised Australian conductor Simone Young for her ability to inspire “an overwhelming sense of rapture”, placing her on par with Solti, Karajan and Boulez. The first Australian and first woman to conduct the Ring Cycle at Bayreuth, Young’s extensive career has often highlighted her particular expertise in Romantic works. We’re excited to hear her interpretation of Wagner’s Prelude to Lohengrin and Brahms’s beautiful Second Symphony.

Cellist Kian Soltani appears with support from Susan and Donald Best ONZM