ABC Classics is proud to unveil a new recording from one of Australia’s finest orchestras, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, featuring leading international soloists Sir Andrew Davis and soprano Erin Wall.

Released in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Richard Strauss’ birth, this album contains some of the composer’s most thrilling and approachable music. It opens with the energetic Don Juan, continues with the melodic and rich Four Last Songs, and concludes with the inspirational Also sprach Zarathustra (whose opening movement features as the iconic soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey).

Renowned as one of the world’s great conductors, Sir Andrew Davis draws searing, impassioned playing from the MSO, whilst Erin Wall is a deeply engaging soloist in the Four Last Songs. These are undoubtedly some of the finest recordings by an Australian symphony orchestra available on disc – perfect for new listeners to discover wonderful music, and a vital addition to any collector’s catalogue.