New Zealand Symphony Orchestra launches festival series
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has announced a new festival series planned for 2021.
The series will be staged in Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Napier, Wellington and Christchurch, with many performances in each city over three days.
Popular Setting Up Camp tours will also be expanded next year.
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra chief executive Peter Biggs said the orchestra's goal is to bring the greatest music ever written to as many New Zealanders as possible.
“Our multi-day Festivals in six cities and expansion of our Setting Up Camp tour from six to 15 centres next year will give audiences more choices and allow the NZSO to make deeper connections with more New Zealanders," he said.
A highlight will be Kia Kotahi, a unique performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with a new text of the famous Ode to Joy sung in Te Reo by a chorus of high school students.
The concert will also comprise new works by New Zealand artists.
American Marin Alsop, one of the world’s top conductors, will make her New Zealand debut with Kia Kotahi.
The project was originally slated for 2020, Beethoven’s 250th anniversary year.
But the impact of Covid-19 and limited government funding has meant the NZSO will not deliver to New Zealanders everything the orchestra planned to do, Biggs said.
The NZSO is cutting the number of large scale concerts next year, he said.
"We know this will sadden our many fans and supporters around the country.
"The NZSO is working hard to find a solution so we can reach those audiences."
Season subscription tickets went on sale on Friday at nzso.co.nz.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
The gift of giving …?
The author of “The Gift of the Magi” is O. Henry, a pseudonym for William Sydney Porter.
“The Gift of the Magi” is a poignant short story about a young couple, Jim and Della, who are deeply in love but financially struggling. With Christmas approaching and limited money, each decides to sacrifice their most prized possession to buy a meaningful gift for the other. Della sells her beautiful long hair to buy a platinum chain for Jim’s watch, while Jim sells his grandfather’s watch to buy a set of combs for Della’s hair. In the end, their love and sacrifice underscore the true spirit of giving during the holiday season.
🤔
I would say the story underscores the stupidity of Xmas gifts … after all, it is not YOUR birthday, so how about donating something to good causes and otherwise enjoying being together?
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