André de Ridder is that rare thing: a musician truly at home in whatever genre he finds himself in. Known for his outstanding interpretations of anything from Mozart opera to electronica, he leads the NZSO through an extraordinary night of American sound. 

The evening opens with Mari by Bryce Dessner, the frontman for the indie rock band The National. Their forays into classical music have only increased after celebrated collaborations with ensemble intercontemporain, New York City Ballet, and Philip Glass. 

Wynton Marsalis is best known as a legendary jazz trumpeter, but his compositions, like his Blues Symphony, are increasingly being performed to acclaim.