NZSO announces free concert in Christchurch

10 March 2011 - NZSO Media Release for immediate release

NZSO announces free concert in Christchurch

The show will go on in Christchurch when the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert for the local community next month.

NZSO Chief Executive Peter Walls says the NZSO was originally scheduled to play at the Christchurch Town Hall on April 7 as part of its Apotheosis national tour. Mr Walls says although that concert is now cancelled due to safety concerns within the CBD, the orchestra is still determined to play in Christchurch that day.

The NZSO will now perform an hour-long version of that concert at Burnside High School’s Aurora Centre, at no charge to the audience.

Mr Walls says several NZSO players have been personally affected by the earthquake disaster, and everyone is motivated to help.

“We hope the concert can give local people the opportunity to come together after a frightening ordeal and relax in an enjoyable musical atmosphere. It will be a privilege for us to give something back to a community that has always given the NZSO so much.”

The 6pm concert will include a virtuoso performance of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto by the international piano star Saleem Abboud Ashkar.

Seating is limited and concert-goers are advised to call NZSO Client Services on 0800 479 674 to reserve places.

Existing ticket-holders to the original Apotheosis concert will be contacted. They can call 0800 479 674 to claim guaranteed seats at the free concert. They will also be offered the choice of a refund, or to swap their original ticket for any other NZSO performance nationwide. Alternatively, they may credit the value of their ticket towards a 2012 concert subscription.

The NZSO will later announce revised plans for its other scheduled concerts in Christchurch.

NZSO Christchurch Community Concert
6pm Thursday April 7
Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts, Burnside High School

ENDS

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