APO Announces Superstars, Premieres, Composer In Residence

Superstars, Premieres and a New Composer-in-Residence for Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in 2012

Some of the world’s finest musicians, world and New Zealand premieres and the announcement of a new Composer-in-Residence are among the highlights of Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s 2012 season launch, which is held this evening in front of invited guests at Auckland Town Hall.

A free preview concert showcasing the 2012 season takes place on 20 October and is open to all members of the public

“We’re excited about 2012,” says Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra chief executive Barber Glaser. “This has been a landmark year for the APO, with some wonderful concerts and the launch of our Sistema Aotearoa educational programme in Otara, but I believe next year’s season will be at least the equal of 2011.”

Ms Glaser singled out two superstars of the classical music world who perform with the APO in 2012.

“Soprano Deborah Voigt and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie will both be making their debuts with us,” says Ms Glaser. “Deborah Voigt yields to no one as an interpreter of Wagner and Richard Strauss, so to have her singing works by those composers for our flagship APN News and Media Premier Series will be very special.”

Dame Evelyn, meanwhile, performs a concerto written specially for her, Christopher Rouse’s Der Gerettete Alberich. The concert forms part of the Splendour Series, which in 2012 is themed ‘From the New World’ and features music from or influenced by the United States of America.

“Our Music Director, Eckehard Stier, has a particular love for American music,” says Ms Glaser. “In ‘From the New World’, he and our Manager of Artistic Planning, Ronan Tighe, have programmed a series of real invention.”

Ms Glaser also paid tribute to APO Principal Guest Conductor Roy Goodman, who returns for several engagements in 2012, including the Choral Masterpieces performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor.

“It’s well known that Roy is among the greatest interpreters of this repertoire, so next year’s Choral Masterpieces will be a concert to savour.”

A highlight of any APO season is Westpac Opera in Concert; in 2012 the orchestra, led by Maestro Stier, performs Verdi’s Nabucco. The work that made Verdi’s name as an opera composer, Nabucco has never been performed in New Zealand by a professional orchestra. This production features Verdi specialist Boris Statsenko in the title role.

Nabucco is just one of many New Zealand rarities. Works in the APO’s 2012 season that have never been played here include Messiaen’s L’Ascension and the yearning violin concerto ‘Distant Light’ by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks, which will be performed by violinist Anthony Marwood.

The APO is also honoured to give the world premiere of a cello concerto by New Zealander Ross Harris.

Harris is a former APO Composer-in-Residence, and Barbara Glaser used the season launch to announce Jack Body as the orchestra’s Composer-in-Residence for 2012/13.

“We take the position of Composer-in-Residence very seriously, and the person filling that position is an important part of the APO family as both a composer and an educator,” says Ms Glaser. “Jack Body epitomises the very best of both those worlds and I couldn’t be more delighted about his appointment.”

One of this country’s most admired composers, Jack Body has been at the forefront of New Zealand music since the 1960s. He has numerous commissions and performances to his name, and in 2001 became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in acknowledgement of his services to music and photography.

Just retired from his teaching post as Associate Professor of Instrumental/Vocal Composition at the New Zealand School of Music, Prof Body has offered inspiration to generations of New Zealand composers not only by his example but also through his teaching; and as well as composing music for the APO, Prof Body will play an integral role in the orchestra’s educational programme.

“I am very much looking forward to my association with the APO,” says Jack Body. “So many of my composer friends have had the pleasure of being in residence with this orchestra, and without exception they have told me how rewarding the experience has been, not only for the privilege of having their music performed, but also the sense of being welcomed in to a open, lively and thoroughly creative musical community. The bold, imaginative programming of the APO is admired throughout in the country.

“My most formative period as a musician occurred during the 15 or so years I lived in Auckland and so I see this as a fabulous opportunity to reconnect with the city's cultural life. Having just retired from teaching I am enjoying the prospect of engaging again with young, aspiring composers through the various educational programmes the APO runs. Let the fun begin!”

Jack Body begins his two-year tenure as the APO’s Composer-in-Residence in January 2012.

Members of the public can experience highlights of the APO’s 2012 season in a free preview concert at Auckland Town Hall on 20 October. Register by phoning (09) 623 1052

Subscriptions for 2012 are available from tomorrow, with subscribers receiving considerable savings on individual ticket prices. Season brochures are available by phoning (09) 623 1052.

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