Newcastle Music Festival: Return to Middle Earth by Fernleigh Wind Ensemble
Black and white photo of an orchestra performing in front of a tunnel, led by a conductor.
In their first festival performance, the newly formed Fernleigh Wind Ensemble will bring Johan de Meij’s new symphony to Newcastle.
After 30 years, composer Johan de Meij revisits Middle-Earth, the enchanting mythological world of J.R.R. Tolkien, with his Symphony No. 5 Return to Middle Earth. Although there are some thematic reminiscences of his monumental first symphony The Lord of the Rings from 1988, De Meij puts a completely different musical vibe into this new symphony. There is an important role for a solo soprano and a mixed choir: they sing in Ilkorin, one of the Elvish languages of Middle-Earth. The ensemble welcomes Sara Carvalho as soloist in this great new work.
Event Information
- Date: This Live performance occured on Sunday 3 August 2025
- Location: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music - Cnr Laman and Auckland Streets, Newcastle, 2300
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.