Featuring
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Umberto Clerici conductor
Program
Verdi The Four Seasons: Ballet music from I Vespri Siciliani
Prokofiev Symphony No.5
About this performance
Under the baton of Umberto Clerici, former Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Cello, the MSO presents an energetic program of cosmopolitan cultural contrasts.
- When Verdi – one of Italy’s most famous opera composers – was commissioned to write I Vespri Siciliani for the fashionable Paris Opéra, he encountered something of a culture clash. In contrast to Italian opera’s focus on building drama, French operas included ballets in their third act – moments of spectacle unrelated to the rest of the opera, with ladies in tutus to break up the story and satisfy the desires of salacious patrons. This ballet music is just that – a light-hearted, dramatic Parisian romp through the sights and sounds of The Four Seasons.
- After living in America for many years, Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev returned to the Soviet Union in 1944, and over just four weeks composed his 100th work: The Fifth Symphony. With thrilling harmonies, recurring melodic themes, and lyrical expression, it was so popular after its American premiere that Prokofiev featured on the cover of Time magazine. Rumours swirl surrounding the meaning of this symphony: does it evoke rousing Stalinist patriotism, or an artist’s struggle for freedom under smothering Soviet censorship? Conductor Umberto Clerici takes us through the mystery of this 20th century musical milestone.
Duration: approx. 100 minutes including interval
Enhance your experience
Want to learn more about the music being performed? Arrive early for an informative and entertaining pre-concert talk with Megan Steller.
Friday 6 May at 6.45pm
Robert Blackwood Hall
NEW! For your convenience, a print-at-home version of the concert program is available below.
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To make a claim, upload your MSO email receipt and contact information, bank details, date of purchase and total bill amount to the secure Victorian Entertainment Program website. Rebates will be credited to your nominated Australian bank account within five business days of your claim being approved.
Featured artists
COVIDSafe Information
The MSO and the venues in which we perform will operate under government health and safety guidelines in place at the time of the event. Entry to this event will require ticket holders to comply with the relevant COVID-19 protocols as directed by the venue, which may include providing proof of COVID-19 vaccination or valid medical exemption. Up-to-date information will be included in the pre-concert email sent to attendees a few days prior to the performance.
