World premiere of ‘Landfall 1769’ commissioned by orchestra

Richard Flyger prepares to lead the Gisborne Civic Orchestra in an afternoon of music, which will include the premiere of a work the orchestra commissioned to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s landing. Picture by Liam Clayton

A  work commissioned by the  Gisborne Civic Orchestra in 2019 will have its premiere at the Lawson Field Theatre next month.

“The audience can expect a truly moving and memorable musical experience as the orchestra brings this music to life for the very first time,” said Richard Flyger, orchestra conductor and musical director.

“Landfall 1769” was commissioned to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s landfall at Poverty Bay in October of 1769.

The premiere of the work was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Accomplished Wellington composer Craig Drummond-Nairn wrote the piece, which has been crafted to meet the composition and ability of the local orchestra.

Mr Drummond-Nairn’s mother Kathy Drummond was a previous member of the orchestra.

“We reached out to him, knowing from his mother that he had studied composition,” Mr Flyger said.   Mr Drummond-Nairn is expected to be attending the event,

“We are delighted that he will be in the audience to watch this premier performance,” Mr Flyger said.

The afternoon of music will also feature Ave Verum Corpus by William Byrd, marking the 400th anniversary of his death. Byrd was a profound English organist and composer during the Shakespearean age.

A selection of other classical favourites and movements from the Haydn Trumpet Concerto will be on the set list for the concert.

Gisborne Civic Orchestra is made up of a number of talented local musicians, with experienced direction from Mr Flyger, who has been the conductor for about 15 years.  He previously played the violin in the orchestra.

The orchestra is also in the unusual position of having three viola players on the day.

“Quite often we have none, so we will be doing an additional short piece with these instruments,” Mr Flyger said.  He will be one of those players.

The viola is larger than a violin and has a lower and deeper sound.  Mr Flyger is looking forward to the chance to play, rather than conducting.

“Landfall 1769” lasts for about 15 minutes.

“It’s a lovely piece, in three movements called contact, conflict and concord.  It’s achievable for us and the orchestra enjoy playing it,” said Richard.

The whole concert will last for about an hour.

■ Landfall 1769, Lawson Field Theatre Rose Room, November 19, 2.30pm

Venue: The Rose Room, Lawson Field Theatre

Tickets can be purchased at the door.