Orchestra Presents Public With All Access Pass

On Sunday June 28th, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra opens its doors to the entire Auckland community, welcoming seasoned concert enthusiasts and curious first-timers for a day of wide-ranging interaction at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®.

The first ever APO Open Day will feature backstage tours, Q & As, music demonstrations, master classes, exhibits and a special performance by the entire orchestra. The APO is giving the public unprecedented access inside one of the country’s leading arts organisations. The day involves participation from the musicians themselves to the people behind the scenes right up to Board level.

Admissions to the public are absolutely FREE.

This all-ages event also presents the musically curious a rare opportunity see APO Music Director Eckehard Stier and the musicians performing repertoire including music from Bernstein’s Candide, not on stage, but at audience level right on the Town Hall floor.

“Most of the time, people know us only as performers, dressed formally and sitting high up on stage,” says Barbara Glaser, Chief Executive of the APO, “but this day is all about getting to know the orchestra more intimately as people – members of the community whose prime interest is sharing the joy of music to the widest possible audience.”

Throughout the day there will be many scheduled performances from smaller ensembles and chamber groups made up of orchestra musicians and some of the APO’s Education ensembles. There will be an on site interactive composition corner by the APO’s Composer-in-Residence, Chris Adams. Audiences can also observe a master class for advanced violinists held by Concertmaster Dimitri Atanassov.

For nearly three decades the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has performed for the region and has grown into one of the most important figures in the country’s cultural landscape, building a strong performance history, a reputation for excellence, innovation and community involvement.

Ms Glaser encourages the public to get stuck in and experience everything. “We see this day as a wonderful occasion to bring the music closer to people to a degree that we’ve never done before. We’re taking strides to show that music is there to be enjoyed, and that belongs to everybody. Communication is the key, so we hope that people come and chat to our Music Director and a variety of our musicians and staff – all of whom are eager to share their deep knowledge and love of music. It’s the ultimate all-access pass.”

The APO Open Day will be on Sunday 28 June from 1:00pm – 5:00pm, at the Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE®.

For more information and an APO Open Day schedule, visit www.apo.co.nz.