Orchestra Celebrates with 25th Fireworks

Orchestra Celebrates with 25th Fireworks

What brings an acclaimed concert pianist back to share the stage with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra for the fifth time to celebrate its 25th anniversary?

“Enjoyment. Pure and simple,” says Michael Houstoun, the New Zealand ‘musical treasure who is set to delight audiences with two contrasting piano concertos - Rachmaninoff’s romantic Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Bach’s virtuosic Piano Concerto in D minor. “[The Bach Piano Concerto] is one of my favourite concertos, and I would be happy if it was the last work I played,” adds Houstoun.

Concert-goers will also be treated to an opening with great fanfare in Handel’s celebrated Music for the Royal Fireworks, as well as Tchaikovsky’s beloved ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Fantasy Overture, a favourite of the orchestra and many classical music fans.

Leading the orchestra is its Music Director of 25 years, Professor Uwe Grodd, whose passion for the community organisation has firmly established the Manukau Symphony Orchestra as ‘Manukau’s Orchestra’.

“The orchestra has come a long way on this incredible 25-year journey, playing many great works, and collaborating with world-class soloists,” says Professor Grodd. “We simply could not have done it without the strong support of our audiences, players, volunteers and sponsors, many of whom have been behind us 100% from day one, and still are!”

Terry Spragg is one such supporter whose lifelong dedication to the orchestra since its foundation has seen it grow to the 80-piece symphony orchestra comprised of players from ages 17 to 85, and ensured its survival to being a cultural asset of the community. “Terry Spragg is a true music hero,” adds Houstoun. “The MSO is an orchestra with a very special spirit because of her.” Mrs Spragg was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2005 for services to the performing arts.

The Manukau Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the support of our audience, players, benefactors and supporters including Foundation North, Auckland Council, Second Nature Charitable Trust, Vodafone Events Centre, Multi-Media, Four Winds Foundation, The Southern Trust, Pub Charity, Papakura Local Board, Franklin Local Board, Manurewa Local Board, Howick Local Board, Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Mangere-Otahuhu Local Board.

The Manukau Symphony Orchestra proudly presents ‘25th Fireworks’ on Saturday
24 November 2018, 7.30pm, at the Vodafone Events Centre. Tickets from $15.
Ph 09 577 3031.

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