Brahms took decades to summon the self-belief to write a symphony. It was worth the wait. It is a mighty work and with Giordano Bellincampi it will be a mighty performance.

The world premiere of the new symphony by Ross Harris is the latest chapter in the long and fruitful artistic relationship between the APO and one of New Zealand’s most distinguished composers. It will be a major occasion in the year’s concert-going.

Mahler wrote this early song-cycle in the wake of an unhappy love affair. Its protagonist, on his love’s wedding day, walks away to escape the memory of her blue eyes. New Zealand-born Sāmoan baritone Benson Wilson is bound to impress in his APO debut.