Back
1426 days ago

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra launches festival series

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

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.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

Image
Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 64.1% Yes
    64.1% Complete
  • 33.5% No
    33.5% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
1568 votes
1 day ago

Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

Image
8 hours ago

Become an SPCA Foster Hero!

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.

Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!

Sign up today and save a life!