Diversifying pays off

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 April 2004

Diversifying pays off

In the 24 year history of the Auckland Philharmonia, diverse programming has been a major key to its success.

Over the years, concerts have ranged from formal classical concerts to Baby Proms; from Happy Hour concerts to outdoor Summer Matinées; and from individually themed concerts to pops and jazz concerts with stars such as The Manhattan Transfer and Diana Krall.

Last month the orchestra went a step further and diversified into “rock promotion”, bringing legendary rocker, Meat Loaf, to New Zealand for two concerts in Auckland and Christchurch with the Auckland Philharmonia.

Life at the Auckland Philharmonia is a constant balancing act, and occasionally risks have to be taken in order to survive. The Meat Loaf concerts were a calculated risk for the Auckland Philharmonia in an ongoing attempt to increase income streams and work towards balancing the books.

General Manager Anne Rodda is justifiably proud of her orchestra. “The Meat Loaf concerts were huge for us in terms of exposure,” she says. “Thirty thousand people in total witnessed an amazing spectacle, a rock legend performing with the backing of a versatile, full scale symphony orchestra.”

The success of the Meat Loaf concerts follows a series of sold-out concerts this year – the first three concerts in the orchestra’s 2004 Vero Premier Series were sold-out; the fourth, on 29 April with a “giant of the keyboard”, Russian pianist Nikolai Demidenko, is destined for a similar outcome; and the fifth concert in the series, on 6 May with conductor and violist, Shlomo Mintz, has already sold-out.

“Without tempting fate, we’re riding on the crest of a wave,” Ms Rodda says. “To have a sold-out concert is always pleasing, but to have them week after week so far this year is something to be really proud of. We have a fantastic following and Aucklanders are proud of us and are keen to support us – full houses are testimony to this. We also know that audiences appreciate the diversity of our concerts – many of our ‘classical’ followers, for example, also came along to see the orchestra performing with Meat Loaf.”

To book tickets to any Auckland Philharmonia concerts, visit www.aucklandphil.co.nz or phone 0800-PHILHARMONIA (0800-744 542).
The Auckland Philharmonia receives major funding from Creative New Zealand and a major grant from Auckland City.

ENDS

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