Photo exhibition reveals hidden side of NZSO

NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen and Principal Timpanist Larry Reese (credit Olivia Taylor )

9 June 2011 - NZSO Media Release for immediate release
Photo exhibition reveals hidden side of NZSO

An exhibition of photographs revealing the private and public moments of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra players during their smash-hit international tour is about to go on display in Wellington.

The exhibition In Golden Halls shows the orchestra enjoying its acclaimed triumph at Vienna ’s world-famous Musikverein concert hall last November, as well as more intimate scenes in dressing rooms, backstage and in the wings.

24-year-old Olivia Taylor joined the NZSO as its official photographer during the tour of Germany , Slovenia , Switzerland and Austria , in a partnership between Massey University and the NZSO.

The Master of Fine Arts graduate says she took more than a thousand shots, capturing a rarely-seen side of the orchestra.

“Watching the players prepare, perform and then enjoy the incredible audience reaction at each concert was an amazing experience. I had an access-all-areas pass, allowing me to capture both the players’ polished performances and their more personal moments backstage.”

NZSO Chief Executive Peter Walls says the photos are an enduring record of the most ambitious tour in the orchestra’s history.

“The tour was a huge artistic success and we won over some of the toughest audiences in Europe . Olivia’s pictures brilliantly capture the behind-the-scenes hard work, and the moments of triumph.”

Massey University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Sally Morgan says the university’s exciting collaboration with the NZSO has resulted in a compelling body of work.

“Olivia has been a high-achieving student and was awarded the Peter Turner Memorial Scholarship in 2009. The School of Fine Arts is both proud and excited to be profiling the work of this impressive College of Creative Arts graduate.”

The NZSO 2010 international tour began with a performance at the Shanghai World Expo ahead of eleven concerts across Europe in three weeks.

The photographs will go on the road with the NZSO for public display in other centres later this year.

ENDS

In Golden Halls: on tour with the NZSO features 30 tour photographs on display at the Great Hall at Massey University ’s Wellington campus on Buckle Street from 16-28 July. Admission is free. Hours: weekdays 9-5pm ; weekends 10-4pm .

Fast Facts

• Olivia Taylor has been taking pictures since she was an 11-year-old at primary school, first studying photography in her final year of high school
• After receiving a Massey Scholarship in 2010 she went on to complete her Master of Fine Arts degree, focusing in photography
• She presently tutors photography students at Massey University ’s College of Creative Arts
• The NZSO 2010 international tour began at the Shanghai World Expo in China on October 29 before eleven performances across Europe over three weeks
• The orchestra performed to multiple standing ovations and attracted glowing international reviews
• The Vienna concert on November 6 was attended by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson
• The NZ Herald described the concert’s success as “an historic event” for New Zealand

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