New Orchestra takes the stage

New Orchestra takes the stage

First concert the 4th and 5th of May at St Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Road, Auckland.

New Zealand now has its very own national baroque orchestra!

Specialists from around the country join together this month under the name NZ Barok to form New Zealand’s first national baroque orchestra.

Acclaimed under its former name AK Barok, this feisty young orchestra is already a leading voice in New Zealand’s cultural landscape. Using historical instruments from the baroque period, coupled with musical approaches of the time the sound of the orchestra is as close as possible to what Bach, Vivaldi and their contemporaries would have heard.

Artistic co-director Miranda Hutton says the orchestra’s performances are quite different than a symphony orchestra.

“We use gut strings and historical bows. We stand up to play and have to communicate directly with each other because we don’t have a conductor. It’s more like a jazz concert with the energy and spontaneity passing between the musicians on stage. Irresistible rhythms make your feet want to dance along.”

Baroque orchestras are all the rage in Europe, North America, Japan and Australia.

“It’s vital for the cultural life of our country that New Zealand audiences can hear this music performed live at an international standard on historical instruments here on our own soil. We have the knowledge, the talent and the specialists right here with us.” adds Hutton.

The Dutch spelling of baroque in NZ Barok’s name refers to the strong link that these musicians have to The Netherlands, many having studied there or being heavily influenced by the Dutch school of playing.

For the upcoming concerts the orchestra will be joined by brilliant young recorder virtuoso Kevin Kim who recently returned from several years living and studying in The Netherlands. The concerts will take place in the intimate surroundings of St Luke’s church in Remuera. The programme is called “The Nations” and includes works from well-known favourites such as Telemann and Purcell .

“If you’ve never heard baroque instruments performed live before you’ll be in for a treat, the result will leave you uplifted and wanting more, it’s absolute bliss” concludes Hutton.

ends

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