Split Enz-er hosts “Happy Hours”

6 March 2006

Split Enz-er hosts “Happy Hours”

MIKE CHUNN needs little introduction. He was the bass player with Split Enz and Citizen Band. He has been General Manager of Mushroom Records NZ and Sony Music Publishing NZ, and Director of the NZ branch of APRA. Now he is CEO of Play It Strange Charitable Trust in addition to being the Host of the Auckland Philharmonia’s free Happy Hours.

Happy Hours are for socialising, sipping on a cocktail, and enjoying some lively music with the Auckland Philharmonia and guest artists. Mike Chunn, who is a great communicator across all ages and backgrounds, will host the events and facilitate the interaction between audience and musicians.

“The orchestra is a unique instrument,” Mike says. “With the Happy Hours, people have the chance to investigate its complexities, dynamics and subtleties. And then there are the pieces they’re performing... that’s another whole story. It’s an honour to facilitate these sessions. I’ll be as curious as anybody!”

The first Happy Hour for 2006, on Wednesday 15 March, features revered conductor Christian Knapp, champion violinist Natalia Lomeiko, and the Auckland Philharmonia performing excerpts from Sibelius’s En Saga; Christopher Blake’s Aoraki Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5. The complete versions of these works are performed the following evening.

The Happy Hour cocktail, specially created by the bar staff at the Hilton for the first Happy Hour, is Philharmonia Fizz, based on Absolut Vodka.

Auckland Philharmonia HAPPY HOUR
A free concert in association with Auckland City
Wednesday 15 March – 6pm, Auckland Town Hall
Bookings essential for this free concert – go to the orchestra’s website www.aucklandphil.co.nz.

The Auckland Philharmonia’s Happy Hours will also be performed on Wednesday 19 April, Wednesday 31 May, Wednesday 16 August, and Wednesday 25 October.

Happy Hour is a free concert, presented in association with Auckland City with support from The Edge.
The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and major grants from Auckland City and the ASB Charitable Trust.

ENDS

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