IN BRIEF, FOR COMMUNITY DIARY LISTINGS
The Auckland Wind Orchestra presents a programme of New Zealand music at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre in Epsom. Peter
Thomas conducts. Tickets are $15 or, for students and seniors, $10. The concert starts at 7.30pm on Friday 1st July. The
theatre is located near the Southern Motorway at the corner of Gillies Ave and Silver Rd.
IN FULL
Auckland Wind Orchestra to Give Rare All-NZ Concert
The Auckland Wind Orchestra is to present a programme comprised solely of music by New Zealand composers, a rare event
for either professional or amateur ensembles. The orchestra’s conductor, Peter Thomas says such concerts are crucial to
promote the development of local music.
“New Zealand should be proud of its place in the world of new music,” says Thomas. “It has taken much time and
campaigning to change the attitudes towards local music in the contemporary scene, but with events like New Zealand
Music Month and the international success of performers such as Bic Runga and the Finn brothers, things are looking very
rosy.”
Thomas adds that the ‘art’ music scene has had recent overseas success with the Olympic performances of the music of
John Psathas. “It is rewarding and exciting to be part of this development and to be able to put together a programme
made up entirely of New Zealand music.”
The Auckland Wind Orchestra opens its concert with a typically energetic Psathas fanfare. To follow the exciting curtain
raiser, Thomas has carefully selected a mix of works by established and up-and-coming composers as well as adding a few
well-known lighter pieces and kiwi pop classics.
The concert is to be staged at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, a recently-opened venue located at Epsom Girls Grammar
School on Gillies Avenue. One of the school’s choirs, Adora Voce will make a guest appearance with its conductor, Jeni
Little. The Auckland Wind Orchestra also welcomes to the stage two of the school’s students, Megan Shackell and Felicity
Sievers. Accompanied by the orchestra, they will sing a selection of iconic kiwi songs.
A wind orchestra differs from a conventional orchestra in that sections of flutes and clarinets take the place of string
instruments. Thomas says that wind ensembles are a growing entity in New Zealand schools. “With a greater share of
composition in the music curriculum, perhaps we will see more pieces written for winds.”
The concert starts at 7.30pm on Friday 1st July. Tickets are $15 or, for seniors and students, $10 – call 021 336 063
for reservations. The nearby Southern Motorway and Gillies Avenue off-ramp makes access convenient. Parking is available
on Silver Rd.
ENDS
AUCKLAND WIND ORCHESTRA BACKGROUND
The orchestra is a non-profit organisation governed by an incorporated society which was formed in 1972. The Auckland
Wind Orchestra is associated with the Auckland Youth Symphonic Band, a group that performs in schools to promote
interest in music and wind instruments.