Mountain music a hit

The hills were alive with the sound of music last week when more than 150 locals and guests turned out to hear the Christchurch Youth Symphony Orchestra play at Aoraki Mount Cook.

The audience enjoyed an open-air concert, hosted by The Hermitage Hotel, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Southern Alps and New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook.

Prior to the concert, the group of young musicians held a workshop at Mt Cook School, acquainting local children with the intricacies of orchestral arrangement and different brass, woodwind, percussion, keyboard and string instruments.

The Hermitage General Manager Andrew Cleverley says the day was a huge success.

“It was great to see our locals and guests making the most of the sunshine and balmy conditions. It was very laidback – everyone just lounged on the lawn outside the hotel and enjoyed the selection of classical and modern pieces. One of the highlights for me was hearing our own local soloist Emi Scheel, give a magnificent rendition of Pokarekare ana accompanied by the orchestra.

“Everyone enjoyed the day so much that we’re hoping to host a similar visit next year.”