Nock Premiere Highlight Of Music Programme

PRESS RELEASE

Nock Premiere Highlight Of Festival Classical Music Programme

LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand (April 8, 2009) – The world premiere of an exciting new work by one of New Zealand’s most applauded composers, Mike Nock, is the final highlight of the 2009 Festival of Colour’s classical music programme.

Nock’s Southern Suite, specially commissioned by the Festival, takes its inspiration from the Southern landscape and has section titles such as Copland Crossing and Wanaka Dreaming. The sublime duet, performed by New Zealand’s leading classical pianist, Michael Houstoun, together with Deidre Irons, portrays Nock’s emotional responses to aspects of the landscape and conveys much of the sense of mystery and awe of the Southern Alps.

The New Zealand String Quartet will perform the very moving The Last Seven Words from the Cross by Haydn that will honour the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death. Enhanced by the words of poet Dinah Hawken and the images of artist, Nigel Brown, this dynamic and beautiful performance will be one to remember.

“This is a work of incredible beauty performed by one of the world’s top string quartets,” said festival director, Philip Tremewan. “The addition of the poetry and images make it extremely easy to listen to and that’s what the Festival’s all about, bringing world class performances to Lake Wanaka and making them accessible to all.”

The New Zealand String Quartet will also perform for the younger members of the community in Classics Up Close. This special concert for children over four will see the country’s top string quartet get up close and classical with short performances, audience participation and musical chit-chat with some surprise guest performers (yes, you will see the Ukulele Orchestra take a turn!). The programme is designed for a family audience and it promises to provide a lot of fun for all the family.

Rounding out the classical music programme, Faure’s Requiem is one of the most well known requiems. Eloquently understated it is impossible not to be moved by its ethereal beauty. The Central Otago Regional Choir and Central Otago Chamber Orchestra will perform the Requiem at the Festival featuring soloists Beth Calverly (soprano) and Junior van Mellaerts (baritone).

The Festival of Colour takes place on 28 April to 3 May 2009 with tickets still available for a number of shows and is generously supported by Central Lakes Trust, The Community Trust of Otago, Creative New Zealand, Infinity Investment Group, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Aurora. For further information and ticket sales visit www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

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