The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra was taken in a new direction by conductor Andre de Ridder and violinist Robert McDuffie, both appearing in NZ for the first time. Reviewer Peter Hoar suggests it was a mixed bag. What did he think of the sensual, sultry, and languid Debussy Prelude? Was Glass’ first Violin Concerto earth shattering? And were Schoenberg’s Theme & Variations delightful?