Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho is particularly fond of the flute, and in her 2001 concerto Aile du Songe the soloist is like ‘a lone, high flying bird whose shadow forms different images.’ Outstanding Australian flautist Ana de la Vega soars in this delicate, ethereal music.
Copland’s meditative Quiet City, and especially his evergreen Appalachian Spring, are hymns to an America of open air, small towns, wide horizons.
Ravel’s fairytale ballet is a seamless flow of enchantment, finishing with a rapturous vision of a magical garden.
Herald Premium subscribers be in to win a VIP double pass to Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s Simple Gifts, at Auckland Town Hall 7.30pm Thursday 15th June.
