American Diva Opens Auckland Philhamonia Series

American diva opens series

"Angela Brown was the star of the evening. Hers is a rich voice, splendidly even in its range from highest notes to lowest, one capable of caressing phrases or lavishing power on them, depending on the composer's demands." (The Indianapolis Star)

Angela Brown, the stellar American soprano with the lustrous voice, opens the Auckland Philharmonia's 2004 Vero Premier Series (formerly the Royal & SunAlliance Series) on Thursday 19 February at the Auckland Town Hall.

Angela Brown, who studied under the legendary soprano Virginia Zeani in Indiana, brandishes pure vocal power and finesse. She has won the acclaim of critics and audiences throughout the world, and last year made a spectacular début with the Auckland Philharmonia - "vocally... never less than rapturous" (New Zealand Herald).

In this first concert of the 2004 Vero Premier Series, Angela Brown joins the Auckland Philharmonia and Italian conductor Marco Zuccarini to perform four powerful scenes from Wagner and Richard Strauss. Also on the programme is Brahms' magnificent First Symphony.

Marco Zuccarini débuted with the Auckland Philharmonia in 2002, an occasion described as "a galvanising experience... a concert to remember" (New Zealand Herald). He returned for three further, equally memorable concerts in 2003.

The Vero Premier Series, New Zealand's largest concert series, runs over nine months and includes 25 international and national guest soloists and conductors. The second and third concerts in the series follow closely behind the first, on consecutive Thursday nights.

Concert #2: Thursday 26 February - with conductor Michael Christie and soloist John Wells (organ)

Concert #3: Thursday 4 March - with conductor Michael Christie and soloist Henry Wong Doe (piano)

Adult tickets from $20. To book, phone the Ticketek Orchestra Hotline: 307 5139.

The Auckland Philharmonia gratefully acknowledges Vero, the major sponsor of this series. The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

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