Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's latest album, "The Essential New Zealand Symphony Orchestra." Released on July 16, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this compilation showcases the orchestra's versatility and mastery across a diverse range of genres, including Japanese classical, orchestral, and traditional classical pieces.
Spanning a duration of 2 hours and 27 minutes, the album features 30 meticulously selected tracks that highlight the orchestra's exceptional skill and the depth of their repertoire. From the enchanting "VI. Finale. Po atarau" to the vibrant "Cuban Overture," each piece is a testament to the orchestra's ability to bring a wide array of compositions to life. Notable works include the serene "Sonnet No. 27," the lively "No. 5, Le Bal: Galop," and the majestic "March No. 1 in D Major 'Land of Hope & Glory.'"
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, one of the world's oldest national symphony orchestras, brings a unique blend of precision and passion to each performance. Based in Wellington, New Zealand, the orchestra consists of approximately 90 talented musicians who deliver over 100 concerts annually, captivating audiences with their extraordinary performances.
This album is not just a collection of tracks; it's a celebration of the orchestra's illustrious history and their commitment to presenting both classical masterpieces and contemporary works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Essential New Zealand Symphony Orchestra" offers a captivating journey through the world of orchestral music, showcasing the unparalleled artistry of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
VI. Finale. Po atarauRon Goodwin, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
VI. Bezi liska k Taboru (Vixen Is Running) [arr. P. Breiner for orchestra]Leoš Janáček, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Peter Breiner
II. Air de balletJules Massenet, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Jean-Yves Ossonce
II. CarolRalph Vaughan Williams, Helen Callus, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Marc Decio Taddei
Sonnet No. 27, Non posso altra figura immaginarmiJack Body, Martin Riseley, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Young
II. The Serious DollEdward Elgar, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
IV. Les fauvettes plaintivesRichard Strauss, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Jun Markl
II. Ode to the Yellow RiverChengzong Yin, Fei-sheng Xu, Wanghua Chu, Li Hong Sheng, Shucheng Shi, Zhuang Liu, Jie Chen, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Carolyn Kuan
Poco agitatoMax Reger, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Franz-Paul Decker
I. Journey through Mountain ParklandsJenny McLeod, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Uwe Grodd
La Calinda (Arr. E. Fenby)Frederick Delius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Myer Fredman
Entr'acteGiacomo Meyerbeer, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Darrell Ang
No. 5, Le Bal: GalopGeorges Bizet, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Donald Johanos
III. Alla marcia: ModeratoJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
AotearoaDouglas Lilburn, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
ScherzoFelix Mendelssohn, Jenny Wollerman, Pepe Becker, Tom Mison, Adrian Grove, Emily Raymond, Anne-Marie Piazza, Gunnar Cauthery, Peter Kenny, David Timson, Varsity Voices, Nota Bene Choir, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
Chanson de Matin, Op. 15 No. 2 (Version for Orchestra)Edward Elgar, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
III. Poco vivaceKosaku Yamada, Ulster Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa
III. Piesn o wszechbycie [Song of Eternity]Mieczysław Karłowicz, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Antoni Wit
Fantasia on Greensleeves (Arr. R. Greaves for Orchestra)Ralph Vaughan Williams, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
MarschPaul Hindemith, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Franz-Paul Decker
II. Larghetto con motoFerdinand Ries, Christopher Hinterhuber, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Uwe Grodd
IV. Allegro trascinanteZhou Long, Yi Chen, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Darrell Ang
II. The Love SongJean Sibelius, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
II. LentoDmitri Shostakovich, Michael Houstoun, John Taber, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Lyndon-Gee
March No. 1 in D Major "Land of Hope & Glory"Edward Elgar, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
ApotheosisEinojuhani Rautavaara, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Pietari Inkinen
OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Madeleine Pierard, Claus Obalski, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
III. Allegro con fuocoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Eldar Nebolsin, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Michael Stern
Cuban OvertureGeorge Gershwin, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd