It was an absolute treat to enter Auckland’s Town Hall and spend an evening with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Under guidance of the masterful conductor Long Yu the ensemble performed three magnificent pieces of music.
The first was Chinese Kitchen: A Feast of Flavours by Elliot Leung which consisted of four movements each named after a dish. This entire piece was cinematic in style and incredibly emotional. Two of the movements Deep Fried River Prawns and Deep Fried Sesame Balls were lively, dramatic and triumphant, the perfect musical metaphor for cooking in hot oil.
The other two – Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Vegetables in Soup were more contemplative though each had intense emotional moments. The former however was my favourite and most captivating of all four movements, a stunningly evocative piece which was began as a sweet and almost bucolic piece of music that built into a soaring and transforming conclusion.
Next came Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo theme, Op.33 featuring the masterful cellist Jian Wang. His solo moments were just delightful and the entire movement both relaxed and meditative while also at times lively and grand.
After an interval came Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1 in B-flat minor, Op 23 with its incredibly famous and recognisable first movement. This majestic and intense opening was simply exquisite and centre stage, piano soloist Serena Wang was remarkable to watch as she played oh so perfectly.
The evening finished with a gorgeous rendition of Pōkarekare Ana by Wang and the orchestra which was a fitting conclusion to a outstading evening of music by a superb Orchestra.
Photo credit Leilei Cai
SHANGHAI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
19-20 March 2026
Auckland Town Hall
