Media Release
15 September 2016
Dunedin Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Gallipoli to the Somme’ : Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm, Dunedin Town Hall
In its 50th anniversary year the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra presents the world première of the latest major work by
prolific New Zealand composer, Dunedin’s Anthony Ritchie.
Gallipoli to the Somme takes its title from Alexander Aitkens’s book written about his war experiences in the Otago
Batallion. Aitken’s perspective binds the structure of the composition together. A fine violinist, Atkins took his
instrument to war with him and the sound of his solo violin pervades the piece.
Gallipoli to the Somme is a humanist statement that also draws on ordinary people’s experience of the war through diary
entries, poems, traditional texts, songs, and even a military plan of battle. The three works in the first half, by
French, English and German composers respectively also reflect the experiences of ordinary people during the war.
The concert features two favourite Dunedin singers both of whom have careers on the international opera stage: soprano
Anna Leese and bass Martin Snell. They are joined by the Dunedin City Choir and the Southern Youth Choir.
The conductor is London-based Simon Over, who is in his second year as the orchestra’s Principle Guest Conductor.
Following this world première of Gallipoli to the Somme, Simon Over will conduct the Parliament Choir in London when
Anthony Ritchie’s composition will have its UK première.
Programme:
Anthony Ritchie - Gallipoli to the Somme
Ravel - Le Tombeau de Couperin
FS Kelly - Elegy for String Orchestra: "In Memoriam Rupert Brooke".
Wagner- Prelude to Die Meistersinger.
Ticket sales open through Ticketmaster and the Regent
Theatre. Phone 03 477 8597 or 0800 111 999 or visit
www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Visit www.dso.org.nz for a full list of concert events and booking Information
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