Programme

John Adams The Chairman Dances
Copland Clarinet Concerto
Gabriela Ortiz Antrópolis (NZ Premiere)
Bernstein Symphonic Dances from West Side Story

Gemma New’s signature “strength, clarity and grace” (WTTW News) invigorates this 20th century American classic, Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. In depicting a New York gangland Romeo and Juliet, Bernstein’s score captures an irrepressible American swagger. Rhythm & Dance also infuses John Adams’ The Chairman Dances, an outtake of Adams’ opera Nixon in China, which imagines the young Chairman Mao dancing the foxtrot with his mistress.

Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto melds Latin American popular music with jazz in this work commissioned by “The King of Swing” Benny Goodman. And we proudly present the Kiwi premiere of Gabriela Ortiz’s Antrópolis. Grammy Award-winning Ortiz is one of Mexico’s hottest contemporary composers, and this work refers to el antro, Mexican slang for a nightclub.