Sensing Music

Orchestras Central is thrilled to present ‘Sensing Music’ – a weekend of orchestral music that celebrates the breadth of talent in our community, and will give audiences the chance to enjoy performances in new, exciting and sometimes challenging ways.

Orchestral music can engage all the senses and this ‘feast’ will encourage existing music lovers, and those who might be new or curious, to come an experience Orchestral music in fresh exciting ways. There are also plenty of opportunity for musicians of all ‘ages and stages’ to get involved as participants. ‘’The ultimate goal is to see more people than ever before come and enjoy playing with us’’ says CEO Susan Trodden , ‘’and more still to put Orchestra event attendance on their ‘must do’ entertainment list’’ Each part of the weekend has a focus on a difference sense – to listen, to see, to touch, and to taste and smell (yes really!), and the experience to truly immerse the audience (FEEL) using all their senses.

Events include ‘Sonoscopia’ which explores the relationship between what we see and what we hear. This features Paul Bradley, a well-known visual artist who will literally ‘paint what he hears as a new composition by Jeremy Mayall is performed by OCTavo, an ensemble of professional Hamilton musicians.

The Youth Orchestra will also hold a ‘jam’ for players age 12-20 on Friday night in the Meteor ‘Black Box’.

Saturday afternoon is filled with workshops for musicians and new conductors, and Saturday night plays host to a unique ‘Music in the Round’ concert featuring high quality local talent. The programme includes music from the 18th century to the present day, and the New Zealand premier of Goulet ‘Symphonic Chocolates’ – a delicious treat not to be missed! The ensemble will perform in a Round style, allowing the audience to be immersed in the experience. Tickets for this event are strictly limited.

Sunday morning brunch comprises an all-comer Brunch as the ‘ Rusty Players’ gather for a chance to play as they enjoy the tastes and smells of the cafe.

Rounding off the weekend is a Sunday afternoon family concert. Beginning with an invitation to see the ‘inner workings’ of an orchestra, families will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with our musicians and their instruments before enjoying a new production, written especially for our Orchestra, by a local author. The Pied Piper of Pirongia tells the story of a wily stranger who has more than the eradication of possums on his mind! ‘’This all age event is being performed by the Orchestra earlier in August to more than 1500 school children at our annual Education Concerts’’ says Music Director Rupert D’Cruze, ‘’ and we are thrilled to be reprising this for the public to enjoy’’.

The weekend of activities will be held at the newly renovated community venue (The Meteor). A full programme and ticketing information is available at www.orchestras.org.nz

© Scoop Media