2008 Grammy Award Winner To Perform WIth APO in Star Serenade in September

Flight of the Conchords weren’t the only foreign act making waves at this year’s Grammy Awards. Canadian violinist James Ehnes was nominated for – and won – the prestigious Grammy for Best Instrumental Soloist. And Auckland audiences have a unique opportunity to hear this virtuoso perform when he appears with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in September.

Ehnes will perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto at Star Serenade on Thursday 4 September, 8pm at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®.

Tchaikovsky’s only Violin Concerto was once derided by Western audiences as ‘Russian barbarism’ and by Russian audiences as too ‘Western’. Today it’s recognised as containing some of the most powerful and imaginative dialogue between soloist and orchestra; a piece perfectly matched to the technical prowess of Ehnes.

“With incredible providence we booked James Ehnes last year on the back of his remarkable reputation. We watched with delight as Ehnes won his well-deserved Grammy Award in February. This astonishing performer should not be missed!” says APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser.

Ehnes’ performance isn’t the orchestra’s only coup d’état. At the concert, the eighth of the APN News & Media Premier Series, Auckland will hear the long-awaited premiere of Brahms’ Serenade No. 1. This superb piece of symphonic warmth will receive glorious expression through the hands of Italian conductor Oleg Caetani.

“It’s a privilege for the APO to debut this Brahms’ serenade to its enthusiastic Auckland audience. We’ve waited more than 150 years to hear this beautiful piece here, and we’re going to make sure that wait was worthwhile,” says Ms. Glaser.

Single tickets to Star Serenade (from $20-$110) are available from Ticketek, Ph 09 307 5139, www.ticketek.co.nz.