The magic of making music

5 January 2005

On Tuesday 17 January, 95 musicians – from Whangarei to Invercargill and various points in between – and the full complement of players from the Auckland Philharmonia, converge on St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland for the annual Lion Foundation Orchestral Summer School.

The School culminates in a (public) Grande Finale Concert on Sunday 22 January. Now in its seventh year, the Lion Foundation Orchestral Summer School is unique in Australasia in that it is the only opportunity available for musicians of varying levels and ages to develop their skills by playing next to professional musicians, together in an orchestra. Two orchestral programmes offer a wide range of orchestral experience for participants and include other related activities for growth.

The Premier Fellowship Programme is for very advanced musicians who have already shown a strong background in orchestral playing. All activities add to the participants’ knowledge and experience of what it is to be a professional orchestral musician.

The Festival Programme is for keen amateur musicians and advanced students who wish to join with other orchestral musicians, extend their musical abilities, and simply enjoy making music together. Both programmes are led by Australian conductor Luke Dollman, and feature visiting violin soloist Goetz Richter.

Open to the general public, the GRANDE FINALE CONCERT at 11am on Sunday 22 January, features the Premier Fellowship Orchestra performing works by Mahler, Saint-Saëns and Christopher Blake, and the Festival Orchestra performing works by Dvoøák, Bizet, Mendelssohn and Kenneth Young.

Luke Dollman is on the podium, with violinist Goetz Richter in the solo position. During the interval there is a barbeque lunch for the audience and musicians with entertainment provided by the Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra, the only mandolin performance group in New Zealand.

Tickets (include concert and barbeque): Adults $35; Seniors $25; Students $15; Family pass (up to 2 adults and 2 children) $90. For bookings phone the Auckland Philharmonia on 0800-PHILHARMONIA (0800-744 542). The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and major grants from Auckland City and the ASB Charitable Trust.

ENDS

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