Months of free music to come at the Town Hall

NEWS RELEASE
30 May 2008

Months of free music to come at the Town Hall

There are some Wellingtonians who are happy to welcome winter - because they are fans of the annual free series of organ recitals that take place at Wellington Town Hall.

Starting next Sunday, 8 June, the series includes five free recitals over the coming months. The series features Wellington City Organist, Douglas Mews and some international guests.

Douglas started playing piano at five years of age and was playing the organ by the time he was 12. He studied piano, organ and harpsichord at Auckland University before moving on to study early music at the Hague Conservatorium, focusing on harpsichord.

Douglas says that when he took on the position of City Organist, in 2005, he established the annual series so all Wellingtonians could embrace the beautiful sound of the organ.

“We have a really unique organ here at our Town Hall,” he says. “It is one of the few Edwardian organs in the world that has survived to the present day without alteration, and has been lovingly restored. The Wellington organ is known for this in Europe.”

Douglas is excited about the first recital in the programme, by Hayko Siemens.

“Hayko is organist and director of St Matthäus, Munich’s main Lutheran Church. He will perform works by Bach, Reger and César Franck.

“So if you’re a fan of the Romantic era in particular, or want to learn more about it, head along to the Town Hall next Sunday for what will be a wonderful hour of live organ music. And all for free.”

All organ recitals take place at 3pm, Sundays at the Town Hall. For dates and programme details, visit www.wellingtonconventioncentre.com

ENDS

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