Bruckner & Strauss Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 2025 (Geelong)
Another amazing and enchanting performance by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and as usual one cannot find any faults with the ensemble. It is like a well‑oiled machine, every section moving in perfect synchrony under the assured guidance of conductor Vasily Petrenko. With just a look or a wave of his baton he prompted the appropriate musicians into action, shaping the evening with precision and elegance.
The first half of the program was devoted to Richard Strauss, whose Lieder have always held a special place in my heart. Having lived in Austria, I have long felt the warmth of their music and hearing them performed live once again was deeply moving. The selection included Zueignung, Cäcilie, Befreit, Freundliche Vision, Winterweihe and Waldseligkeit — each rendered with sensitivity and grace. The highlight of this set was undoubtedly soprano Alexandra Flood. Her beautiful, clear, angelic voice floated through the concert hall like a soothing whisper. She sang entirely by heart, the words flowing as though they were her own, and the orchestra surrounded her with a cushion of sound that elevated her performance even further. It was a moment of pure artistry that will stay with me for a long time.
After interval came the monumental Symphony No. 7 by Anton Bruckner, a work often described as picking up where Beethoven’s Ninth left off. This transcendent symphony, written as a tribute to Bruckner’s hero Wagner, unfolded with grandeur and emotional depth. From the noble opening theme to the soaring Adagio and the triumphant finale, the MSO delivered a performance that was both luxuriant and deeply moving. The rich orchestral textures created a tapestry of sound that filled the hall and held the audience spellbound.
Final thoughts?
The evening as a whole was a testament to the MSO’s artistry and discipline, to Petrenko’s masterful leadership, and to Flood’s radiant presence. It was an unforgettable concert that combined the intimacy of Strauss’s songs with the monumental sweep of Bruckner’s symphony, leaving the audience uplifted and inspired.
https://www.mso.com.au/