Brahms’s monumental Piano Concerto No. 2 was composed when his writing was at its peak. From a deceptively benign opening with a lone horn melody, the movements are by turns gracious and turbulent, leading to an exhilarating ending. Acclaimed Wellington pianist Jian Liu returns to provide the dazzling technique and musical depth that the work calls for.

We celebrate Matariki with The Journey of Mataatua Whare, a work which in turn celebrates 100 years since the Mataatua Wharenui returned to NZ. The work tells of the Wharenui’s story: from the carved meeting house’s creation in Whakatāne, the loss of Ngāti Awa control over it, its travels and mistreatment, its return to NZ for Dunedin/Ōtepoti’s 1925 Great Exhibition and then Tūhura Otago Museum, and its final return to Ngāti Awa in Whakatāne. Joining DSO’s Principal Guest Conductor James Judd on stage for this special event will be three distinguished NZ vocal soloists.