Experience Handel, Mozart and Mahler with the Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic Orchestra in 2026 – a breathtaking program showcasing classical brilliance and masterful performance.
In an afternoon of purely beautiful music, the Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic orchestra brought us a program with works from three great composers: Handel, Mozart and Mahler in their first major concert for 2026.
The concert started off with a bang, as the orchestra played Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks HWV 351. This piece was originally composed for the 1749 festivities in London’s Green Park marking the end of the War of the Austrian Succession. The soundscape produced an air of grandeur, with the bright oboes and bassoons interweaving with the trumpets to create a sound that felt both noble and electrifying. The percussion at the end evoked vivid imagery of bursting fireworks, leaving me in awe. This bold, lively piece set an energetic tone for what was to come.
Mozart’s Concerto in D Minor: A Dance of Tension and Delicacy
Soon, a grand piano was rolled onto the stage, and concert pianist Vatche Jambazian joined the orchestra for Mozart’s Concerto in D minor for Piano and Orchestra KV466 (1785). The piece started by building tension with the introduction of each instrument, becoming more dramatic with faster, louder passages and the addition of percussion. Vatche’s playing consistently maintained beautiful delicacy and movement, even as he executed this work with clarity and the necessary drama. I felt particularly touched when he played, as Vatche’s intent and dedication to the music poured forth in his performance.
Swells of violin flooded from the stage as orchestra exercised masterful dynamic control, with moments of pianissimo making the audience lean in as if we were being whispered a secret. Passages acted like call and response between the orchestra and the piano, and I noticed sighs of satisfaction from the audience around me.
Mahler’s Symphony No.1: A Journey Through Sound
Next, it was time for Mahler. We heard Symphony No.1 in D Major “Titan”. My favourite section of this symphony was the Landsam, schleppend, which began with sustained, unsettling strings. As the layers built, so did the suspense, until the tone shifted to a warmer and brighter sound. The introduction of a darker mood heightened the drama, with rumbling drums, the clang of cymbals and fluttering triangle and flutes, as well as angular notes played in the strings. The orchestra moved with precision in this demanding piece, and painted a rich mental image for the audience. My imagination was alive as I absorbed the vivid music, and as the mood lifted, I felt like I was an observer in nature hearing motifs that reminded me of birdsong passed through the orchestra.
A Memorable Afternoon
The concert of Handel, Mozart and Mahler was an afternoon of absolutely incredible music that truly demonstrated the excellence of the Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic orchestra. Their 2026 season has only just begun, so head to kpo.org.au to book their upcoming performances.
Review and Photos ed by: Eleanor Edwards