BMW New 7 Series Preview and MSO for Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto
The World Loves Melbourne was delighted to be invited to the exclusive preview of the all new BMW 7 series at BMW Melbourne.
Only a handful of people were privileged to preview this flawlessly crafted car stacked with lavish stylish features and faster, lighter and sportier than it's predecessor. BMW had flown in two BMW 7 Series from Munich with 60 of the current VIP BMW 7 Series customers enjoying a preview before the official launch later in the year.
This was a night of luxury and indulgence as BMW began the evening by assembling a panel of experts to talk about the features of the new BMW 7 series. This included a "BMW Genius", Michael Hanley, who knew everything about the car, an awesome title to have! Max Walker was a consummate host and interviewer of the panel. Max spoke about innovation and took us back to the 2000 Olympics to share inspirational anecdotes of how innovative genius was applied to overcome challenges and exceed expectation. Tim Michaelson - Product Manager BMW Australia and Marko Banjac, Special Vehicles Manager spoke about technical features and styling, including innovative features such as the "gesturing" hand movement control to operate the infotainment.
We also heard from Managing Director Marc Werner about the innovative technology of the new BMW 7 Series, as well as his affinity with Australia since moving here from Europe. A superb video of the all new BMW 7 Series shot here in Melbourne, as well as in New Zealand, was stunning, and The World Loves Melbourne considers to be a benchmark for car videos. We want to see it again and again. Wowed by the video and the speakers, it was then time for the screen to roll back and reveal a cocktail lounge with string quartet, fresh premier caviar harvested on the day and flown in, a cheese cart, with some of the most exclusive cheeses from across the globe, as well as a top shelf cocktail/coffee bar. And BMW Melbourne always comes to the party when it comes to first class champagne!
Canapes and champagne was the order of the day as the new BMW 7 series was unveiled; with guests able to check out this luxurious car. A Caviar Bar was nearby, as was a Cheese Bar and Cocktail Bar (no excuse not to be satiated). David and Samantha from The World Loves Melbourne can be seen (left) imbibing the BMW 7 Series car and the occassion.
BMW Melbourne proudly supports the arts and we were treated to Rachmaninov's Third Piano Concerto at Hamer Hall. Maestro American-Russian virtuoso Kirill Gerstein performed Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 with MSO Chief Conductor, Sir Andrew Davis. Not for nothing has the work been called one of the hardest to play.
The sheer challenge of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No.3 has been obvious from its first performance, with the composer as soloist. This was in New York City on November 28, 1909. It was repeated two days later, then again in January 1910, with the New York Philharmonic under its then chief conductor, Gustav Mahler.
As Rachmaninov would recall, Mahler was the ideal conductor:
He touched my composer’s heart straight away by devoting himself to my Concerto until the accompaniment, which is rather complicated, had been practiced to the point of perfection, although he had already gone through a long rehearsal. According to Mahler, every detail of the score was important—an attitude which is unfortunately rare among conductors.
The World Loves Melbourne was given a tour "on stage" as well as "back stage" at iconic Hamer Hall (including dressing rooms); an honour to see the back story of how it all comes together.
Another "wow factor" moment was that our cars were secretly driven by BMW staff from BMW Melbourne to the Arts Centre (valet service) so that we could pick them up after the performance. Sensational!
We were also entertained at cocktail functions at Hamer Hall, where His Excellency Vladimir Morozov, the Russian Ambassador to Australia also graced us with his presence. MSO Ronald Vermeulen introduced guests to Rachmaninov's Third in entertaining style with references to the arts/composers and luxury cars. We were then ushered into the dress circle for the performance.
The concert was a triumph and we left inspired and lavished upon. More cocktails and canapes were enjoyed during the intermisssion. We left inspired by the extraordinary BMW 7 Series and Rachmaninov's Third. Both hit the high notes! An exceptional and unforgettable evening.
BMW 7 Series
Says the website,
Now in its fifth generation, the BMW 7 Series offers all the power of a twelve-cylinder petrol engine in its top-of-the-range model, the BMW 760Li. The BMW TwinPower Turbo V12 accelerates the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. You’ll hardly notice the gear changes, thanks to the eight-speed automatic transmission with electronic gear selector and Steptronic. Even at high speeds, the revs are reassuringly low.
With its distinct rich sound, the V8 engine of the BMW 750i and the BMW 750 Li is unmistakeable. Straight six-cylinder engines in the BMW 740i/Li deliver classic smooth running.
The BMW 730d is surprisingly economical. With its mighty 560 Nm of torque, there’s never any shortage of power.
The long wheelbase versions of the BMW 7 Series is the first choice for a chauffeur-driven limousine if you want to arrive relaxed, without sacrificing dynamics.
BMW Individual takes car personalisation to a new level with exclusive paint finishes, leather trim and fine woods available, making your BMW 7 Series Sedan as individual as you.
Savour the agility and performance of this luxury-class Sedan as a hybrid vehicle with the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. This provides noticeable savings on fuel and CO2 emissions, without compromising on comfort or spaciousness. It’s all down to BMW EfficientDynamics, together with the combination of a highly efficient BMW TwinPower Turbo V8 engine and a high-torque electric motor, which can either provide extra thrust or generate electricity during braking. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is also available as a long version.
Whether you are looking for a used or new BMW 7 Series vehicle, you can find all the information at BMW Melbourne. You can also locate your nearest dealer and request a test drive.