Peer Gynt | Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra

From bright and sunny to frenzied and dramatic, this concert is full of beloved pieces. The sights, sounds, colours and rhythms of Italy spring to life in Felix Mendelssohn’s ‘Italian’ symphony, which was written in the aftermath of the twentysomething composer taking an extended Italian holiday. Sunny and invigorating, the ‘Italian’ symphony never fails to inspire and entertain. Grieg’s Peer Gynt, Suite No 1 is another audience favourite. Commencing with the blissfully serene Morning Mood, it concludes with In the Hall of the Mountain King, which is neither blissful nor serene but gripping and intensely dramatic. Poulenc’s Concert champêtre is a rarity. Originally composed for harpsichord and orchestra, it is performed by Tamara-Anna Cislowska in its alternate version for piano and orchestra. Witty and good-natured, it’s the kind of concerto Mozart might have written had he lived into the 20th century. On the podium is award-winning Finnish composer Emilia Hoving, making her Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra debut.