NZSO Returns To Mainland

24 September 2004

NZSO Returns To Mainland

Following the fantastic response from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's debut in Gore last year, the orchestra returns in October as part of the Lion Foundation Mainland Tour with exquisite NZSO soloists, Bridget Douglas and Carolyn Mills, and making his NZ debut, Sachio Fujioka as conductor. This series will also feature in Nelson, Wesport, Queenstown and Invercargill.

In a thrilling programme the NZSO will showcase the world premiere of NZ composer, John Elmsly's Response for Flute and orchestra, with Dunedin-born NZSO principal flutist, Bridget Douglas as soloist.

Also featuring is NZSO Principal Harpist, Carolyn Mills performing the colourful flamboyant melodies of Spanish composer, Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez. This varied programme also includes the overture to Rossini's comic opera Italian Girl in Algiers, Mendelssohn's instantly recognizable Hebrides Overture and Beethoven's joyful Symphony No 4.

Sachio Fujioka came to international recognition when he became was the first holder of the Sir Charles Groves Conducting Fellowship and continued to become Assistant Conductor of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. He has gone on to conduct many of Asia and Europe's top orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, the Hallé Orchestra and the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Dunedin-born NZSO Principal Flute Bridget Douglas has become an established concert artist, regularly performing solo and chamber music recitals and concertos, since making her acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut in 1997. She is one half of flute/harp duo Flight.

While studying for a Master's Degree in Performance at Boston University, Carolyn became the first ever harpist to win the Boston University Concerto-Aria Competition. She performed all over America before taking up the position of Principal Harpist with the NZSO in 1989. She is one half of flute/harp duo Flight.

JOHN ELMSLY was born in Auckland on 1 July 1952. Graduate in mathematics and music from Victoria University; studied composition with David Farquhar and began electronic music with Douglas Lilburn.

THE LION FOUNDATION MAINLAND TOUR Wednesday October 13 at 7.30pm NELSON NELSON COLLEGE Thursday October 14 at 7.30pm WESTPORT ST JAMES THEATRE Friday October 15 at 7.30pm QUEENSTOWN EVENTS CENTRE Saturday October 16 at 7.30pm GORE ST JAMES THEATRE Sunday October 17 at 7.30pm INVERCARGILL

CENTRESTAGE Sachio Fujioka conductor Bridget Douglas flute Carolyn Mills harp The NZSO returns to the Mainland that saw them perform to sold-out audiences in 2003. This delightful programme features the beautiful sounds of NZSO Principal Flute, Bridget Douglas and NZSO Principal Harpist, Carolyn Mills as soloists. ROSSINI Italian Girl in Algiers - Overture ELMSLEY Response RODRIGO arr. ZABALETTA Concierto de Aranjuez MENDELSSOHN Hebrides Overture BEETHOVEN Symphony in 4

ENDS

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