APO Appoints Roy Goodman Principal Guest Conductor

APO Appoints Roy Goodman Principal Guest Conductor

February 21, 2008 – The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra announced today that it has appointed internationally renowned conductor Roy Goodman as its Principal Guest Conductor.

UK-based Mr. Goodman, who led the APO in its acclaimed three-concert Splendour of the Baroque Series last year, will return in 2009 and spend four weeks of the year with the orchestra for three years.

APO Chief Executive, Barbara Glaser, says Mr. Goodman’s appointment is a tremendous boost for the orchestra.

“Maestro Goodman’s concerts last year for our Splendour of the Baroque Series not only endeared him to our audiences with his enthusiasm, skill and sparkling stage presence but also invigorated and challenged our musicians who will have the opportunity to learn more from this enormously experienced conductor in the seasons ahead,” she says. “Maestro Goodman’s remarkable career and the renown in which he is held around the world make this a very important appointment for the APO. It is truly a milestone in the orchestra’s life. With Roy as our international ambassador, his extensive knowledge of a wide range of repertoire and the artistic advice he can provide, the APO is on the verge of a great leap forward.”

Mr. Goodman is Principal Guest Conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra and in recent years has been Principal Conductor of Holland Symfonia and the Bachkoor Holland. He has worked as guest conductor with 90 orchestras and opera companies worldwide.

Mr. Goodman is well known for his work as director and founder of the Brandenburg Consort (1975-2001), as co-director of the Parley of Instruments (1979-1986), Principal Conductor of the Hanover Band (1986-1994), Music Director of the European Union Baroque Orchestra (1989-2004) and as Music Director of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra in Winnipeg (1999-2005).

He has directed over 120 CDs ranging from Monteverdi to Copland and has also directed more than 40 world premieres of contemporary music.

Mr. Goodman says he is delighted and excited to accept the APO’s invitation.

“We had three memorable concerts together in November 2007, and it was very clear to me from the outset that I was working with musicians of the highest calibre who were nevertheless eager to learn and happy to develop in new areas of performance practice,” says Mr. Goodman. “Sharing music in this way always makes my life a joy anywhere in the world – we should always have an appetite for new challenges and ideas – so I had no hesitation in taking this opportunity.

“I am optimistic that our artistic collaboration will be both stimulating and fruitful – rewards that should encourage and inspire our ever-growing audience.”

Mr. Goodman’s first concert with the APO in the role of Principal Guest Conductor will be in May 2009.

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is a fulltime professional symphony orchestra in New Zealand that presents over 40 concerts a year in Auckland. Its 2008 season begins tonight (SUBS: Thurs 21st February) with the first concert in the APN News & Media Premier Series, Playing With Fire, in the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE and continues next Thursday with the first concert in the Vero Aotea Series, Rhapsody In Blue, on Thursday 28th February in the Aotea Centre, THE EDGE.

For more information visit www.apo.co.nz.

Tickets for all concerts available now from Ticketek Ph 09 307 5139 or www.ticketek.co.nz.

ENDS

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