APO waives the rules for night of revelry

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra all but dares its audience to sit still when it takes the stage to celebrate one of world’s greatest music occasions: the Last Night of the Proms.

 

This festive British institution, known for its outlandish Union Jack-inspired outfits, irreverent behaviour and exceptional musical highlights from the classical and not-so-classical repertoire, will be recreated in all its glory at the Aotea Centre on Saturday, 30 August, with the show starting at 7:30pm.

 

The concert will see the exceptional Helen Medlyn display her dazzling mezzo-soprano voice as she performs a collection of Noël Coward favourites, including Mad About the Boy and He Never Did That to Me. Meanwhile, the show-stopping aria Let the Bright Seraphim features the soprano of New Zealand’s rising star Anna Leese.

 

Audiences at Last Night of the Proms are further encouraged to forget the traditional decorum of the concert hall as they raise their voice in song to the rousing numbers Jerusalem, Rule, Britannia!, Jerusalem and Elgar’s Land of Hope and Glory. The concert presents the perfect evening of entertainment for the entire family, or as an opportunity to get together a group of friends.

 

“From the first note to the last, this concert will show Auckland audiences that classical musicians know how to party,” says APO CEO Barbara Glaser. “To borrow from another British institution, this concert is going to be Absolutely Fabulous!”

 

Tickets to Last Night of the Proms ($20 to $65) are available from Ticketek, Ph 09 307 5139, www.ticketek.co.nz.