NZ beauty inspiration for magnificent music

Music Director Peter Walls described this programme as "one that he had wanted to do for some time - all of it beautiful music inspired by natural beauty" and the Opus Orchestra responded magnificently.

The programme opened with Douglas Lilburn's Aotearoa Overture.

Composed while a student in London, it was premiered by my uncle and namesake conducting the Sadlers Wells Orchestra at a New Zealand Centennial concert in London in 1940.

The work has become a New Zealand classic and certainly reflects the influence of the New Zealand landscape on the composer.

The orchestra has a policy of presenting its principals as soloists and in Elgar's Romance for Bassoon and Orchestra Ian Parsons excelled with his moving interpretation.

Similarly Concertmaster Lara Hall made a very significant contribution to the overall success of the afternoon's programme with her performance of Dvorak's Romance for Violin and Orchestra while Tchaikovsky's Souvenir d'un Lieu cher (or Memories of a Favourite Place) was perhaps the highlight of the afternoon.

A very romantic work, the woodwind's most impressive opening was equally matched by her impeccable technique and rapport with the clarinet.

The Scherzo reflected her scintillating technique as soloist.

From Lilburn to Beethoven the orchestra presented a programme of artistry and excellence.

They are indeed fortunate to have such committed leadership and support.

What: Opus Orchestra presents Landscapes

Where: Graham Young Youth Theatre

When: Sunday, March 25