A move to Level 1 feels great, with orchestras and ensembles around the country preparing to return to the concert hall as well as some more surprising venues. Here's a selection of events happening in June.
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Photo: supplied
Wednesday 10 June
NZSO live in the MFC
After weeks of social distancing, The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's 90 players will be reunited for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdown. They return to the Michael Fowler Centre for a live performance of Beethoven’s ‘Symphony No 5’ - a fitting choice given this masterpiece celebrates victory over adversity and the triumph of the human spirit.
Led by NZSO Principal Conductor in Residence Hamish McKeich, the performance will stream live from 7.30pm on Wednesday 10 June. Cameras placed in the Michael Fowler Centre will capture each section of the NZSO as they bring Beethoven’s triumphant music to life.
Listen live on RNZ Concert or watch the livestream on our website or Facebook page.
Wednesday June 24
NZSO: Emperor
On 24 June legendary New Zealand pianist Diedre Irons will join the NZSO on stage for a live-streamed performance of Beethoven’s beloved Emperor Piano Concerto.
Listen live on RNZ Concert or watch the livestream on our website or Facebook page from 7:30pm
Kirsten Darragh sings de Falla Photo: supplied
Thursday 11 June
APO Encore Livestream
Section Principal Trumpet, Huw Dann introduces this APO Encore livestream featuring performances from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra archives. The livestream opens with Tchaikovsky’s ‘Marche Slave’, a dramatic orchestral piece written to raise funds for the Red Cross.
New Zealand mezzo-soprano Kristin Darragh joins the orchestra for de Falla’s ‘The Three-Cornered Hat’. This ballet score is infused with traditional Andalusian folk music and incorporates the iconic opening of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.
Tune in from 8pm or watch the livestream on our website or Facebook page.
Amalia Hall & Friends play Mozart St Andrew's on the Terrace. Photo: Clarissa Dunn
Saturday June 13
Amalia & Friends
Orchestra Wellington was excited to present one of the first live concerts in New Zealand after lockdown. Violinist Amalia Hall spoke to an emotional crowd of music-lovers at the series premiere saying how grateful the players were to see their audience again.
An internationally acclaimed violinist, Amalia is the soloist and director in this all-Mozart concert series. 'Amalia and Friends' continues this weekend with performances of Mozart’s ‘Violin Concerto No. 4’ and ‘Symphony No. 38’ (Prague).
More tickets to 'Amalia & Friends' at Wellington's St Andrew's on the Terrace have been made available since New Zealand’s move to Covid-19 Level 1 restrictions.
RNZ Concert is recording the series and will broadcast each concert the following Friday in ‘Onstage’ at 1pm.
Orchestra Wellington musicians perform in Classical on Cuba Photo: supplied
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June
Classical on Cuba
Orchestra Wellington is bringing live music to audiences in the capital's CBD through a creative partnership with CubaDupa organisers and WellingtonNZ. Over one weekend, twenty ensembles will play over one hundred events in fifteen venues. Voices New Zealand are also involved, presenting a six-piece vocal ensemble called ‘Six on Cuba’.
CubaDupa Director Gerry Paul says, “It is so exciting to have these ensembles perform in our quirky Cuba St venues and it will be wonderful to experience classical music in an intimate and casual environment".
Performances will take place in some of Cuba Precinct’s most iconic establishments, including San Fran, Laundry Bar, the Rogue & Vagabond, Hotel Bristol, Fortune Favours, Eva Beva, 1154 Pastaria and {Suite} Gallery.
Tickets can be purchased from Orchestra Wellington.
Planning a concert? Add your live music event to the RNZ Concert Live Diary, a free over-the-radio service for classical music and jazz related events. You can submit information about your event here.
