In October of last year, the Australian World Orchestra, under the baton of internationally acclaimed Zubin Mehta, performed concerts in Melbourne and Sydney to enraptured audiences. The result is this remarkable set of two influential works (recorded live in concert) that showcase the prodigious talent of the orchestra.

Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is played with such energy and devotion to the complexity of the score I found myself hearing counter rhythms and melodic passages so clearly it was as though I was noticing them for the first time. And the opening bassoon solo so flawlessly sets the tone: sublime. Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 is equally spine tingling and further proves what a wonderful and valuable initiative the AWO is now, and will be in the future. I challenge you to quell your own private standing ovation after being transported by these rousing and inspiring performances. As maestro Mehta said to the audience while pointing to the orchestra: ‘Do you realise what you’ve got here? … Don’t let go of them!’ I wholeheartedly agree.

Judi Mitchell