The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is performing two free concerts for families and school children in Manukau this month.
The hour-long Symphonic Boogie shows on May 29 are designed to appeal to families and introduce children and young people to the national orchestra.
Popular dance – including waltz, polka, tango and folk – are the inspiration for a diverse mix of music in the concerts from some of classical music’s biggest names, including Johann Strauss, Brahms, Dvorák, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Bizet and Kiwi composer David Farquhar.
The concerts will be presented by Chris Lam Sam, an accomplished composer for stage and screen, who has worked on musical projects for some of New Zealand’s top-tier performers and recording artists including Dave Dobbyn and Kimbra. Lam Sam presented the NZSO’s free family concerts last year.
“The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is the country’s biggest band and one that families will love,” he said.
“Our free Symphonic Boogie concerts are designed to let kids be themselves, and contain all the excitement and joy of hearing and seeing an orchestra live. There is nothing else like it.
“Dance is at the heart of the uplifting mix of music we’ve chosen this year. Be set to not only clap your hands but to stamp your feet – and even boogie.”
NZSO associate conductor Hamish McKeich, who led the orchestra’s Family Concerts last year, also returns. McKeich has an impressive international conducting career and has given more than 100 world premieres of new works. In 2012, he was awarded a Douglas Lilburn Trust citation for services to New Zealand music.
The NZSO Family Concerts series is part of the NZSO’s core initiative to engage with more communities and offer exciting opportunities to enjoy music.
To register for free tickets go to www.nzso.co.nz/family.
NZSO Family Concerts
Hamish McKeich CONDUCTOR
Chris Lam Sam PRESENTER
- BARTÓK Romanian Folk Dances
- BIZET Carmen Suite No 1: ‘Les Toreadors’
- BRAHMS Hungarian Dance No. 5
- CHINESE TRADITIONAL Yao Dance
- COPLAND Hoedown
- DVORÁK Slavonic Dance Op. 46, No. 8
- FARQUHAR Ring Round the Moon – Short Suite: ‘Tango’
- GRIEG Norwegian Dance No. 2
- MENDELSSOHN Symphony No. 4 ‘Italian’: 4th Movement – Saltarello
- PURCELL Suite for Strings: ‘Rondeau’
- STRAUSS Vergnügungszug Polka (Pleasure Train Polka)
- TCHAIKOVSKY Nutcracker Suite: Waltz of the Flowers
Manukau | Vodafone Events Centre | Monday May 29 | 11am and 1.30pm
