Solo treat for Rotorua fans

Soprano Anna Hawkins will be one of two soloists performing in the Bay of Plenty Symphonia's Gypsy at the Rotorua Civic Theatre. Photo / File

An entertaining orchestral concert with a gypsy theme will impress audiences at the Rotorua Civic Theatre.

The Bay of Plenty Symphonia will perform Gypsy tomorrow afternoon featuring a variety of musical favourites and a few less well known pieces.

Soprano Anna Hawkins and young violinist Brigitte Balzat will join the symphonia conducted by Justus Rozemond.

At just 11 years of age, Hawkins' talent was recognised nationally, taking overall first place in the Under 16 Lockwood Aria Competition two years running. Over the years, Hawkins performed in several musicals as well as performing release concerts for her latest album with her nine-piece band, and playing Christine in The Phantom of the Opera in Japan. She also shared the stage with international tenor Paul Potts in his New Zealand tour last April.

Her flair for both classical and crossover repertoire will be evident in her characterful portrayal of Bizet's Carmen, perhaps the best known of all musical gypsy girls. Less frequently heard are Dvorak's wonderfully expressive Gypsy Songs, though many in the audience will know Songs my mother taught me and will love Hawkin's interpretation of the evocative melody.

Balzat has been playing the violin since she was 5-years-old, and since then has been involved in a number of competitions and orchestral events including tours in the United States, Europe, Australia and Fiji. In 2010 she was involved in the New Zealand Chamber Music Competition and, as part of the string quartet Geist, won the regional and national titles in 2011 and 2012. After that, she was invited to make an international debut in China to perform with New Zealand pianist John Chen.

Balzat will play two famous, showy gypsy violin pieces - the famous Czardaas by Monti, and Sarasate's Gypsy Airs. While the names of these pieces may not be well-known to everyone, the music is instantly recognisable.

The symphonia will accompany Hawkins and Balzat in their performances and will also contribute some popular pieces for orchestra, including Johann Strauss's Overture to The Gypsy Baron, Hungarian dances by Brahms, and the short suite of typical Rumanian Folk Dances by Bartok. The concert will conclude with Liszt's famous Hungarian Rhapsody No.2.

Details
What: The Bay of Plenty Symphonia presents Gypsy.
When: Tomorrow at 2.30pm.
Where: Rotorua Civic Theatre.
Cost: Adult $27, Seniors $24, Student $12