NZSO Flute and Harp stars in concert

NZSO Flute and Harp stars in concert Salon di Virtuosi - Flight: Friday 15 November, 6pm

Heavenly sounds will fill City Gallery Wellington this Friday, when NZSO Principal Flautist and Harpist perform a special concert together as the duo Flight. The concert is the fourth in the popular Salon di Virtuosi series, a series of early evening concerts presented by City Gallery Wellington and Victoria University of Wellington.

This 'Salon' features Carolyn Mills (Harp) and Bridget Douglas (Flute), both of whom are acclaimed principal players with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Artist Teachers at Victoria University. They also play together in the contemporary music ensemble STROMA.

"The flute and harp produce the most heavenly sounds," says Thomas Hecht, Artistic Director of the Salon di Virtuosi series. "This is why many composers write works for these instruments - it's a classic combination." Hecht is also Head of Piano Studies and Artist-In-Residence at Victoria University. The evening's programme from Flight is a diverse one, including a sonata by George Frederick Handel, three popular Spanish folk songs, a contemporary Chinese composition and a modern-day arrangement of the famous ballad 'Greensleeves.' The concert is preceded by refreshments courtesy of Montana Wines.

Carolyn Mills has been Principal Harpist with the NZSO since 1989. As a teenager, she studied with the renowned Lucile Lawrence. While gaining a Master's Degree in performance at Boston University, Carolyn became the first-ever harpist to win the prestigious Boston University Concerto-Aria Competition, and debuted in Boston's Jordan Hall. She has achieved acclaim in New Zealand, particularly for her recital with tenor David Hamilton at the 2002 New Zealand Festival, and her performances with STROMA and duo Flight. She has recorded many scores for film and television, and her solo CD, Mirage, quickly reached the NZ Top Ten Classical Chart.

After completing a Bachelor of Music at Victoria University with Alexa Still, Bridget Douglas received awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship and a P.E.O. International Peace Award to study at the State University of New York. She completed a Master of Music in 1996, and was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for their 1996-1997 season. While in the US, Bridget won several competitions including the Artists International Award, resulting in a debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 1997. Bridget performs regularly with leading New Zealand musicians, and is actively involved in the performance of new music, being co-founder of STROMA.

Salon di Virtuosi: complimentary refreshments from 6pm, concert starts at 6.30pm. Tickets: $15 / $12 / $6. Bookings contact Tracey Monastra mailto:tracey.monastra@wcc.govt.nz. Door sales may be available on the night. Events Principal Sponsor: Montana Wines.

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