One of New Zealand’s most accomplished young musicians will take centre stage at an upcoming Manukau Symphony Orchestra concert.
The orchestra is based in Pakuranga and rehearses at the Te Tuhi art gallery in Reeves Road.
Its Family Concert on May 21 will feature former Howick school pupil Shan Liu, who the orchestra’s general manager Shelley Robertson describes as an “exceptional young pianist”.
Shan has won numerous piano competitions in New Zealand and overseas.
He received first prize, best performance prize and audience prize at the 2022 International Piano Competition for Young Musicians held in the Netherlands.
The teenager was also grand prize winner of the 2021-2022 Pacific Rim International Music Festival International Piano Competition, the youngest ever finalist of the 2020 NZ National Junior Piano Competition, and the youngest ever finalist of the 2022-2023 National Concerto Competition.
In April last year the Germany Beethoven International Music Festival invited him to perform his Solo Piano Recital Concert in Europe.
All proceedings were donated to local charity organisation to support Ukrainian children and refugees.
Shan has performed at the Auckland Town Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the world famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.
The musical showcase in Manukau in May includes the performance of works by composers including Strauss, Grieg, Puccini, Bernstein, and John Williams, among others.
Three outstanding singers will feature also.
Emmanuel Fonoto-Fuimaono and Katherine Winitana are both winners of the inaugural Nicholas Tarling Aria Competition while Maeve Herd is the runner-up.
“From Vienna to a Galaxy far, far away, this concert has something for everyone,” Robertson says.
“This is a special discounted concert the orchestra is holding at the Due Drop Events Centre during its 30th anniversary year.
“Soloists include the astonishing 13-year-old New Zealand rising star Shan Liu on piano and Tomomi Johnston, tenor saxophone, playing the world premiere of a work by New Zealand composer Adrien De Croy.
“Shan will be playing Grieg’s Piano Concerto.
“A selection of well-known songs from Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story and the exciting Star Wars by John Williams will round out the concert, which we believe will be an absolute cracker.
“Bring the whole family and enjoy our special discount, two adults and two children all up at $60.”
The Manukau Symphony Orchestra’s Family Concert is at 5pm on May 21 at Due Drop Events Centre, 770 Great South Road, Manukau.
Tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, and $5 for students and children.
To book, go online to www.manukausymphony.org.nz.
