What we're listening to this
NZ Music Month
NZ Music month has been a mighty celebration of all things music, diversity, collaboration and community. We’ve been inspired by the gorgeous music and stories spotlighted through this annual celebration, and are pleased to have recently presented Anthony Ritchie’s ‘Flight of the Albatross’ as part of our Flight concert on 28 May.
Here at Orchestras Central we’re all about community music making, and championing artistic voices that are distinctively Aotearoa New Zealand.
Check out some of our favourite NZ tunes below – there are some real goodies!
ALEX GEARY - VIOLIN, TWSO AND OCT ENSEMBLE
Graeme James: Western Lakes
Graeme James was the violinist from my hometown that I and other young violin students looked up to. Since then he has made a career for himself as an Indie artist, and his song Western Lakes is simply stunning in its spaciousness, intensity and structure.
TAMI LEE WARD - CELLO AND PIANO, RUSTY PLAYER ORCHESTRA
Greg Johnson: Don't Wait Another Day
His song writing from the piano hits a spot for me (being a pianist). His longevity and loyal fan base is warranted as well as his collaboration and performances with other Kiwi musicians. This is an oldie but goodie.
CATHERINE POLGLASE - ARTISTIC MANAGER, YOW CONDUCTOR, ORCHESTRAS CENTRAL
Gareth Farr: Waipoua for clarinet and string quartet
I absolutely love this beautiful piece featuring the clarinet that evokes the stillness and beauty of the Waipoua NZ native forest and the awe inspiring Tane Mahuta.
Catherine Gibson – Chief Executive, Orchestras Central
CATHERINE GIBSON - CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ORCHESTRAS CENTRAL
Salina Fisher: Heal
I love this work because of the close connection between the composer Salina Fisher and my daughter the violist of the Marmen Quartet - they have known each other since primary school days. ‘Heal’ was commissioned by Chamber Music New Zealand for a nationwide tour that was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic. However, the work has still been able to come to life with performances all over Europe and beyond. In May I had the privilege to hear its Australasian premiere in Melbourne at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) and Royal College of Music, London’s Quartetthaus Project.
Here the quartets perform in a small, purpose-built string quartet venue with a rotating stage. [also a post on their page 24 April – or take the Anam link). ‘Heal’ is a beautifully sensitive composition that is truly representative of the outstanding work Salina creates.
