Gisborne demand makes for a second NZSO concert

A PROMISING PRELUDE: New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in concert at the Gisborne Events Centre during their last visit here in 2013. Picture by Paul Rickard.

THE NEW Zealand Symphony Orchestra has announced a second free concert in Gisborne, after the first event booked out in less than 24 hours.

“We’ve decided to put on another concert in Gisborne because of the sheer demand,” said NZSO media and communications adviser Janina Hanify.

More than 500 people will attend the two concerts at the War Memorial Theatre on August 23.

They will feature some of the most well-known melodies in the classical music genre, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (think “ta-ta-ta-TUM”) and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, the latter likely calling to mind John Williams’ 1978 Superman film and Saving Private Ryan.

“These concerts are special opportunities for families to watch a live orchestra in concert,” says Ms Hanify.

Peter and the WolfProkofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, a composition written to accompany a Russian children’s theatre show by the same name, will be performed during the concert.

“Narrator Chris Lam Sam is an accomplished composer for stage and screen,” Ms Hanify says.

An entertainer, composer and writer, Mr Lam Sam has worked with a number of high-profile New Zealand artists, including Dave Dobbyn and Kimbra.

“He will bring the characters of Peter and the Wolf to life on stage with his vivacious and engaging personality.”

The 70-minute concert will be delivered under the hand of internationally-recognised conductor Hamish McKeich, who was awarded a Douglas Lilburn Trust citation in 2012 for services to New Zealand music.

The free family concert series, which has already been presented in two Auckland shows, will include a concert in Napier on August 22.

Tickets to the Napier concert and second Gisborne show are still available. Those on the waiting list will be contacted. Bookings for both shows can be made at www.nzso.co.nz/family.