Ebbs & Flows by Strauss II, Smetana, Dvořák, Kats-Chernin, Elgar, sø. 26 nov. 2023, Fra (2023/2023), Dirigent Luke Severn, Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, Australia

Water is vital to human life. Central Victoria’s Campaspe, Loddon and Avoca rivers flow to the mighty Murray River and out to sea while the final concert of the BSO 2023 season tells stories from European rivers and streams to those inspired by the mighty Pacific Ocean. The concert will feature some well-known works and some stunning surprises. The opening work is Strauss’ waltz - On the Beautiful Blue Danube. Everyone will recognise this popular music and will find themselves wanting to dance in the aisles of Ulumbarra Theatre. Má Vlast by Smetana is possibly one of the most descriptive classical music works. The composition describes the course of the Vltava, but you might imagine the Campaspe river flowing from the head waters at Kyneton to where is joins the Murray in Echuca. The work begins with the woodwinds making the sounds of a babbling brook and ends with a majestic theme depicting the broad river and open sea. Deep Sea Dreaming by Elena Kats-Chernin was first performed at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and features a choir but has rarely been performed since. Sea Pictures is a collection of five poems set to music and is Elgar’s most famous choral work. We are thrilled to have American born, Melbourne resident, mezzo soprano, Kristen Leich as soloist. She has won rave reviews for her exquisite singing and stunning stage presence in her most recent performances of Der Komponist (Ariadne Auf Naxos) and Angelina (La Cenerentola). A truly glorious way to conclude BSO’s 2023 season of concerts.