The viola is described as an unsung hero of an orchestra and its time to shine as a soloist is happening in east Auckland next month.
As part of its commitment to performing concerts in the region’s suburbs, the Auckland Philharmonia is bringing its annual In Your Neighbourhood tour to Howick.
The concert, Viva Viola, starring the Auckland Philharmonia’s associate principal viola player, Julie Park, is at All Saints Anglican Church in Howick on Tuesday, October 8, from 6.30pm.
Rated as one of New Zealand’s best on viola, Park will be joined by fellow professional musicians from the philharmonia to play different string instrument combinations with it.
Park says she’s looking forward to performing a diverse music selection to highlight the viola’s versatility.
“I’m so excited to show audiences the viola’s beautiful rich, mellow sound that makes it a wonderful instrument to listen to in its own right; and the pivotal role it plays when performed with other instruments.
“From a lively viola and cello duet by Beethoven, a viola player himself, through to some delightful chamber works by two Romantic composers, Dohnányi and Bowen, this concert has music for all tastes and may even surprise the most avid viola enthusiast,” Park says.
The Auckland Philharmonia says: “The viola plays an important role in an ensemble. It’s the symphonic secret sauce behind many of the beautiful harmonies that an orchestra performs.
“Beloved by many composers and musicians throughout history, the viola has disputed beginnings but is thought to have originated in Italy in the 16th century.
“Larger than a violin, it also has a lower range of notes than its smaller strings cousin as it’s tuned a fifth lower.”
Park has performed with the Baden-Baden Philharmonia Orchestra of Germany, the Auckland Philharmonia, the UOA Symphony, the Sainsbury Royal Academy Soloists (UK), and the Royal Academy of Music String Orchestra.
In Your Neighbourhood: Viva Viola also plays at St Lukes Church, Remuera, at 6.30pm, on Monday, October 7. Tickets at aucklandphil.nz/viva-viola.
