NZSO Christchurch concert now a double bill with CSO

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will now join forces for a free community concert in the city next month, performing a double-bill programme.

The NZSO earlier announced it would play for the community at Burnside High School on 7 April, after last month’s earthquake forced it to cancel a performance at the Christchurch Town Hall.

NZSO Chief Executive Peter Walls says the CSO had since approached the NZSO to suggest they co-present the event, and he was delighted to agree.

The NZSO will open with a one-hour programme, and the CSO would now play the second half.

Mr Walls says joining forces for a two-hour concert emphasises the family spirit between the two orchestras at a time of hardship for the CSO.

“Many NZSO players have relatives and close friends in the CSO and would like to do whatever they can to help get the regional orchestra, and the cultural life of Christchurch city, back to normal.”

CSO Chief Executive James Caygill says: "We're very thankful and pleased to have the opportunity to perform for a Christchurch audience so soon after the earthquake.

“Like everyone else in the city we've been both individually and collectively affected by recent events, so it's really nice to be able to perform and contribute back to our community.”

The NZSO will open the concert and perform Jean Sibelius and Douglas Lilburn, as well as the world premiere of eight-year-old local boy Bob Gaudin’s Earthquake Symphony.

The programme will include a virtuoso performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto by international piano star Saleem Abboud Ashkar. Kiwi soprano Anna Leese will also guest star and NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen will conduct.

Led by Chief Conductor Tom Woods, the CSO will then play Beethoven's "Eroica" Symphony, considered one of the composer's finest symphonic works. The theme of triumph over adversity is a fitting piece for this special performance.

There has been an enthusiastic public response to the concert, with the 700-seat venue quickly booked out and more than 200 on the waiting list for seats.

NZSO & CSO Community Concert for Christchurch
6pm Thursday April 7
Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts, Burnside High School