Bay of Plenty Symphonia is in classical mood for its Brahms & Bassoon concert on July 5 and there is plenty of interest in the community orchestra's unusual programme.
The four works span roughly a century - from early Brahms to the contemporary Nino Rota, who is better known as a composer of movie music, notably for The Godfather.
In his Concerto for Bassoon, the orchestra will be joined by the Auckland Philharmonia's principal bassoonist, Ingrid Hagan.
Hagan's performance of this piece will be a New Zealand premiere. The bassoon is not often heard in solo works, so this is a rare opportunity for local audiences to hear this fascinating instrument played by a top artist.
The other main work is Brahms' delightful Serenade No2, dedicated to the love of his life, Clara Schumann. Unusually, it is written without violins and it is not performed often, but this is a lovely work reflecting the composer's fondness for Clara.