Adelaide Youth Orchestra to celebrate 150th anniversary of Adelaide Town Hall with historic gala concert

Adelaide’s most talented young musicians will pay tribute to one of the city’s most iconic buildings in June when Adelaide Youth Orchestra celebrates the 150th anniversary of Adelaide Town Hall with its second Maestro Series concert.

In a special emulation of the official opening night concert held at the venue in 1866, and by invitation of the Lord Mayor, Maestro Series 2: Pure Poetry will see AdYO raise the rafters of the Adelaide Town Hall with a program of classical masterworks in what will be the flagship event of the building’s 150th celebrations.

In keeping with a birthday commemoration the concert will feature an exciting and festive program, with Wagner’s triumphant Prelude from romantic opera Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, and the joyous Symphony No 2 in C minor by Tchaikovsky, better known by its nickname “Little Russian”.

Also on the program is Beethoven’s lyrical and virtuosic Piano Concerto No 4 in G major, to be performed by acclaimed, prize-winning pianist Mekhla Kumar, whose last performance in Adelaide was a sell-out.

As well as the main concert, the event will feature lots of colour and fun for guests including a preliminary performance by AdYO string musicians in the grand foyer and a special birthday cake custom-made in the shape of the Town Hall.

AdYO Artistic Director and conductor Keith Crellin said it was a great honour for the orchestra to be invited to play at such a historic event.

“We are very pleased to be part of the Town Hall’s 150th anniversary, and I think it extremely appropriate that they have chosen to use our especially talented and hard working young people to celebrate such a momentous occasion,” he said.

“This iconic building has been host to many fine concerts over its life and I am sure that AdYO’s performance will continue this fine tradition. We have musicians as young as 12 years old, right up to their early 20s, and they are all thrilled to be able to help celebrate such a prestigious event.”

Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese said AdYO was the perfect choice for the occasion., saying: “I am delighted that Adelaide Youth Orchestra has agreed to perform as part of our 150th celebrations, showcasing the best and brightest young musicians this state has to offer.”

The flagship of Adelaide Youth Orchestras’ four orchestras, AdYO comprises 80 of South Australia’s most talented young musicians, conducted by Artistic Director Keith Crellin.

Hand-picked by annual audition, each AdYO member is tutored by professional musicians from the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, the SA Police Band and the Elder Conservatorium of Music at The University of Adelaide to nurture their love of orchestra music and ensure performances of the highest quality.

Adelaide Youth Orchestras’ Maestro Series 2: Pure Poetry is on at Adelaide Town Hall on Tuesday, June 21 at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale now through AdYO on 8361 8896 or online at www.adyo.com.au