APO Declares Love

Singles aged between 26 and 40 now have a classier way to meet new people.

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has a speed dating evening planned for Friday 7 October, to take place at the plush Auckland Town Hall before the APO’s Choral Masterpieces concert.

For just $40, people have five short dates – and complimentary wine and cheese – and then enjoy the 8pm performance of Carmina Burana and Beethoven’s eighth symphony.

If anyone needs moral support, a ‘wingman’ ticket can be purchased for $30, which gives entry to the concert but not the speed dating.

“Internet dating works for some people but there’s quite a lot of uncertainty,” says the APO’s Helen Spoelstra. “You’re never quite sure how much someone has Photoshopped their picture or exaggerated their profile; there’s a lot of room for disappointment.”

“Bars are more about casual liaisons,” adds her colleague Ina Patisolo. “Pubs can be depressing places to meet people, and let’s face it, alcohol plays quite a large role.”

Speed dating, they suggest, is different.

“Meeting someone face to face in a safe, controlled environment gives you a better opportunity to form a genuine connection,” Patisolo continues. “You can suss someone out better in person.”

“Plus,” adds Spoelstra, “if you don’t like the person sitting across from you, your date’s over in five minutes, and then you get to enjoy a great concert from the APO. But if things go really well, we have someone on staff who is also a marriage celebrant. Just in case.”

WHO: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
WHAT: A Date With the APO – speed dating evening before the APO’s Choral Masterpieces concert
WHERE: Auckland Town Hall
WHEN: Friday 7 October, speed dating registration from 6.30pm, concert begins 8pm
BOOKINGS: (09) 623 1052

ENDS

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