Hungarian conductor Gábor Káli will make his debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) for two highly anticipated performances in Wellington and Christchurch. The concerts, held on 23 May in Wellington and 25 May in Christchurch, will feature a masterful program showcasing the evocative works of legendary composers Béla Bartók and Antonín Dvořák.
Káli, a rising star in the classical music world, will lead the orchestra in a folk-inspired masterpiece by Bartók, whose works are famed for their deep connection to Hungarian cultural traditions. The concert will also feature New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall, an acclaimed performer known for her dazzling virtuosity and powerful interpretations, who will perform Bartók’s Second Violin Concerto.
The concert, titled Echoes of Home: Bartók & Dvořák, will begin with Douglas Lilburn’s Aotearoa Overture, a tribute to New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and cultural identity. The evening will conclude with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7, a work that reflects the composer’s profound connection to his Czech heritage.
Amalia Hall, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated violinists, first impressed audiences with her debut performance with the NZSO in 2022. Renowned publications like The New Zealand Herald and The Post have praised her as a “superb soloist,” while The Strad lauded her performances for their “blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity.” Hall’s versatility is reflected in her role as Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington, a position she earned in 2016 at the young age of 22, making her New Zealand’s youngest concertmaster. She is also a member of the renowned NZTrio.
Conductor Gábor Káli’s musical journey began at the Béla Bartók Conservatory in Budapest, where he studied both piano and violin before focusing on conducting. His career gained significant momentum after a celebrated debut with the Budapest Festival Orchestra in 2019. Káli, known for his innovative approach to music-making, has emphasized the importance of adapting to each orchestra and ensemble he conducts. His passion for conducting began at the age of eight when he attended an opera and became captivated by the role of the conductor.
A recipient of the prestigious Nestlé and Salzburg Festival Young Conductors Award, Káli is widely regarded as one of the most promising young conductors of his generation. His deep understanding of Bartók’s music and his ability to lead major orchestras and operas worldwide have established him as a compelling and visionary figure in classical music.
Amalia Hall’s performance will be supported by Jason Boyes and Nickie Van Der Beek.
