Press Release – NZSO
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra/Te Tira
Pūoro o Aotearoa tours the South Island in March with an exciting selection of music inspired by the serenity of the countryside and the bustle of towns and cities.
Town and Country in Invercargill, Dunedin, Christchurch and Blenheim sees the Orchestra led by internationally acclaimed conductor and NZSO Music Director Emeritus
.
“I am so happy and feel very privileged to be back with you in New Zealand for this tour with the great musicians of the NZSO,” says Maestro Judd.
“For Town and Country, we have chosen music from the two countries where I have lived with my family – the UK and USA – and our favourite, New Zealand. The music on our programme will evoke vivid feelings of urban bustle and excitement, to serene countryside. Please come along to meet us, sit back, relax and enjoy this entertaining programme.”
Tazmin Barnes, Di Xiao and Jiaxin Cheng Music lovers have the chance to attend a special online concert from the University of Birmingham marking the Chinese New Year with a magical fusion of East and West. World-class pianist Di Xiao will be joined by renowned cellist Jiaxin Cheng and 18-year-old singer-songwriter to help the University’s China Institute to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Metal Ox with a mix of traditional Chinese and Western pieces. The event streams on YouTube from Monday, 8 February. It will also premiere on the University’s page at 13.00 GMT on Wednesday 10 February.
Pūoro o Aotearoa joins forces with the
Royal New Zealand Ballet to perform Igor Stravinsky’s mesmerising “pocket theatre” experience
The Soldier’s Tale around the country from 24 February.
NZSO Principal Conductor in Residence Hamish McKeich
The New Zealand Herald Presents The Soldier’s Tale in Association with Royal New Zealand Ballet features a talented ensemble of NZSO musicians, RNZB dancers, and actors, who bring the great Russian-born composer’s riveting and timeless work to 13 centres.
In February and March,
The Soldier’s Tale will be performed in the Greater Wellington region and the South Island. The North Shore, Manukau, Kerikeri and Whangarei will have performances in June.
A PIANIST will recite the compositions of two classical greats as part of an online concert series staged by Rhyl Music Club. Lara Melda has performed across the UK and Europe including her debut at the Barbican Centre in London, followed by stints with the Britten Sinfonia, Royal Northern Sinfonia and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. While she is only in her mid-20s, Melda has been on the music circuit for a long time having won the BBC Young Musician in 2010 and performed with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at the age of 16. She also regularly travels to Turkey, her parents’ home country, where she received the Woman of the Year Arts Award by Elele-Avon.
Photo from WCC
Wellington.Scoop
Wellington City Councillors today accepted a staff recommendation and voted to demolish the Municipal Office Building next to the Town Hall. The building was to have been leased by Victoria University as part of the new National Music Centre, but strengthening costs have risen to $84m, which councillors were told made the plan uneconomic.
A report to today’s meeting said that the potential cost of demolition and rebuilding would be “no more than option to strengthen and refurbish.” And, without explanation, it mentioned the possibility of private investment.
Staff told councillors that demolition and rebuilding would be “potentially self-funding based on tenants paying market rentals.” And there would be an “ability to involve private investment” and to “increase Gross Floor Area” with a “modern design that better meets the needs of the National Music School and unlocks highest and best use potential of the site” and is