OPINION Vasily Petrenko is one dynamic maestro, with a warmth and sense of humanity that shines through in everything he conducts – qualities much-appreciated during his previous appearances with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. On Saturday night, microphone in hand, he provided an incisive introduction to what we were about to hear, making it clear this was no random triple course of overture, concerto and symphony. All three composers – Lera Auerbach, Rachmaninov and Bartok – shared deep connections.
All had been forced to leave their homeland, their music revealing a certain quest for freedom and a powerful sense of transfiguration..