A scaled-down New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, immaculately groomed by Edo de Waart, prepared us for enchantment, with an impatient pianist discreetly joining in the opening tutti. And what an entrance Brautigam made, with a balance of lithe, graceful melodies and iridescent passage work that unlocked the first movement's endless procession of musical conversations, shapely woodwind to the fore. A delightful Finale worked variations on a tune that could have been Haydn's, with chromatic shivers, and playful flourishes. After interval, we were treated to the solid symphonic fare of Elgar's First Symphony. What: New Zealand Symphony OrchestraWhere: Auckland Town Hall- NZ Herald

Source: New Zealand Herald November 07, 2016 16:04 UTC