Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Exhibits Topp Form

Two of the most recognisable figures in New Zealand entertainment, the Topp Twins’ Jools and Lynda Topp, make their orchestral debut with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for an evening of music, comedy and kiwiana at the Auckland Town Hall.

The Topp Twins and the APO, performed on Thursday 15 April, is the APO’s latest collaboration with New Zealand musicians and marks the first time a full concert of the Topp Twins’ songs will be given the symphonic treatment. The concert will feature music from their latest album Honky Tonk Angel, anthems such as Untouchable Girls, Pinto Pony, Nga Iwi E and NZ Icons, as well as orchestral works with a Topp Twins twist. Orchestral arrangements will be provided by established music director Penny Dodd as well as composer-conductor Ken Young who also wields the baton for the concert.

The irrepressible guitar-playing duo have performed regularly in international festivals and toured throughout New Zealand, gaining a wide and loyal following. Their self-titled television programme lasted for three seasons, introducing the characters Ken and Ken, Camp Mother and Camp Leader and the Gingham Sisters to a national audience.

A feature length documentary about the twins, The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, garnered critical acclaim and impressive box office sales, making it the highest grossing New Zealand documentary released locally. The film also proved enormously popular overseas, winning a clutch of awards including Most Popular Documentary at the Melbourne International Film Festival, and the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival.

APO musicians have featured in the twins’ past recordings, but the prospect of working with the entire orchestra remains a cause of excitement for the Topps. “There’s something magical about an orchestra,” says Jools Topp. “We’re going to be standing in front of a whole bunch of people at the Town Hall, and there’ll be all these wonderful musicians behind us. I’m sure it’s going to be a great feeling on the stage.”

“I don’t know if anyone’s yodelled with the APO ever,” adds Lynda Topp. “That would be quite exciting, I feel.”

“I think Camp Leader is desperate to actually play with the orchestra – she wants to play those big crash cymbals. We need to find a song there. Camp Leader can’t wait. She’s been practising with a couple of old hubcaps.”

Tickets to The Topp Twins and the APO may be booked from THE EDGE via www.buytickets.co.nz or by phoning 09 357 3355.

What: The Topp Twins and the APO
When: Thursday 15 April 8:00pm
Where: Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE