Join us for a weekend of spectacular virtuosity and emotion with Opus Orchestra's "Matthias Balzat: Joie de vivre!".

Witness the return of young cellist Matthias Balzat, to Aotearoa, a homegrown talent celebrated for his virtuosity and passion.

From his early days in the cello section of Opus Orchestra to winning the prestigious National Concerto Competition and international acclaim, Balzat's journey is a testament to his dedication and musical brilliance.

This concert series begins with Beethoven's powerful "Egmont Overture" and culminates in the enchanting melodies and buoyant energy of Bizet's Symphony in C. The centrepiece is Vieuxtemps' A-minor Cello Concerto, performed by Matthias.

Conductor: Peter Walls
Soloist: Matthias Balzat

PROGRAMME
Egmont Overture | Beethoven (1770 -1827)
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor Op. 46 | Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881)
(interval)
Music for Jonny | Ross Harris (b. 1945)
Symphony No. 1 in C major | Georges Bizet (1838-1875)

"The music was in his body, his fingers and his brain as if it could be no other way. The cello seemed like an extension of his body and, for the first time any cares I had about the acoustic, the instrument, the work, the age of the player, or anything else, totally disappeared" - Tony Ryan, Radio NZ