Photo: Michael Schultz Photography
It’s always a busy time leading up to Christmas, but the schedule of Hawke’s Bay conductor José Aparicio is particularly full this weekend.
Photo: Supplied
He’s music director of the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra and Napier Civic Choir, and also a driving force behind Project Prima Volta.
The ensembles are presenting three concerts this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are two performances of Britten’s Saint Nicolas along with other Christmas music, and a concert including Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, Peter & the Wolf, and Carnival of the Animals.
The three-day concert series is a huge community collaboration with over 150 musicians involved. The concerts will feature the combined efforts of Project Prima Volta and PPV graduate soloists, PPV Junior Chorus, Napier Civic Choir and Hawke's Bay Orchestra - all led by conductor José Aparacio.
Benjamin Britten’s work Saint Nicolas was the perfect choice for the ensembles as it was originally composed for amateur musicians. The only professionals required are the tenor soloist, a string quintet to lead the other strings, and the percussionists.
"It's wonderful for audience and performers alike," says José.
And adding an extra shine to this performance will be the return of PPV graduate LJ Crichton to sing the title role.
Saint Nicolas - A Family Christmas Concert
Friday 11 December, 7pm at the Blyth Performing Arts Centre
Sunday 13 December, 2.30pm at the Napier Municipal Theatre
Peter & the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals, Beethoven's 5th Symphony
Saturday 12 December, 7pm at the Napier Municipal Theatre
