NZSO conductor switches jobs!

NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen is about to guest star in a Wellington concert next month – but he’s swapping his baton for a violin.

The 11 June show is to raise money for victims of the Japanese earthquake disaster and has been organised by NZSO Principal Double Bass Hiroshi Ikematsu, originally of Tokyo. All proceeds will go to the NZ Red Cross official appeal.

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While this isn’t an NZSO event, many of Hiroshi’s colleagues from the orchestra have volunteered to take part. Even NZSO chief executive Peter Walls is getting stuck in, and will conduct part of the programme.

The concert will provide a rare chance to hear Pietari play, as many New Zealanders don’t realise he is also a gifted violinist. Pietari is Principal Guest Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic and was forced to cancel a recent visit to Tokyo because of the disaster. This is his way of reaching out to his friends and colleagues there.

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As Hiroshi says: “When the disaster struck I wondered what I could do for my country. Even the lucky ones who escaped with their lives lost their families, homes and jobs, and many are still living in school gyms. As I can’t go and help, I thought, as a musician, I could at least organise a fundraising concert. I know they need it so even a small amount of money is better than nothing. But it’s not just about the money. I believe that even thinking about those people can make an important difference.”

The concert programme includes Requiem – a poignant piece by Japan’s most famous composer, Toru Takemitsu. Along with Mozart and Mendelssohn, this will be an excellent concert for lovers of classical music and newbies alike.

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Tickets are $30 on the door at St Andrew’s on the Terrace – 7pm on Saturday 11 June. A donation box will also be provided.

ENDS

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