Tales of Chaminade, Bridge, and Medtner - Auckland

In the Tales concert series, Michael will be presenting a unique collection of some of the most evocative program music of the late Romantic era, complemented by spoken commentary that reveals the tales behind each piece.  In this programme, you will encounter magical creatures such as fauns and water sprites in the enchanting piano vignettes of French woman composer Cécile Chaminade; witness the journey and trials of a prince and princess in English composer Frank Bridge’s four-movement suite A Fairy Tale; and experience the thrilling Russian folktales of Zolushka (Cinderella) and Ivanushka the Fool through the exquisite musical narration of Nikolai Medtner’s Six Skazki (“Six Fairytales”). This programme invites listeners into a realm where music transcends abstraction, offering vivid glimpses into timeless tales shaped by fantasy, legend, and the enduring human fascination with story.

Programme:

Improvisation (Prelude)

Cécile Chaminade (1857–1944)

Les Sylvains Op.60

Les Willis Op.40

Caprice Impromptu Op.153

Frank Bridge (1879–1941)

A Fairy Tale H.128

I. The Princess

II. The Ogre

III. The The Spell

IV. The Prince

INTERVAL (10 mins)

Nikolai Medtner (1880–1951)

Six Skazki Op.51

I. Allegro molto vivace al rigore di tempo e sempre leggierissimo ("Introduction to the characters")

II. Cantabile, tranquillo ("Dance of Cinderella")

III. Allegretto tranquillo e grazioso

IV. Allegretto con moto

V. Presto

VI. Allegro vivace sempre a. rigore di Tempo ("Dance of the Fool")

Ticket Collection and Payment:

• Payments will be made on the day at the box office together with ticket collection.

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the event start time.

• Payment can be made with eftpos or cash.

• The box office with be open 30 mins prior to the event start time.