APO says hello to new tech, farewell to a favourite son

APO says hello to new tech, farewell to a favourite son

Next week’s Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performance is special in more ways than one.

The 22 November concert, which marks the end of the 2012 APN News & Media Premier Series, opens with the New Zealand premiere of Messiaen’s sublime L’Ascension and closes with Mahler’s most popular symphony, No.5. Mahler’s Fifth is a favourite of APO Music Director Eckehard Stier, who conducts the concert. In tandem with Messiaen’s spiritual masterpiece, he describes the evening as “an uplifting and dramatic end to the season”.

Adding to the sense of occasion, the event is being captured on video by director Bill McCarthy and, in a first for the APO, the entire Mahler symphony will be posted on the APO’s website and Vimeo channel.

At the same time the orchestra embraces this new technology, it farewells one of its favourite sons. It is the final performance for Concertmaster Emeritus Brecon Carter, who retires from the orchestra.

It will no doubt be an emotional farewell for Mr Carter, who was founding Concertmaster when the APO was formed in 1980. In 1999 his work was recognised nationally, when he was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music.

APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser paid tribute to Mr Carter.

“Brecon is synonymous with the APO. He has been a cornerstone of the orchestra for more than 30 years and his contribution to New Zealand music is immeasurable. We offer Brecon our sincere thanks for his years of hard work and wonderful musicianship, and wish him the very best for the future.”

However, it’s not a final farewell.

“Brecon’s agreed to be involved with one or two forthcoming projects,” says Ms Glaser. “He’s been such an important part of the orchestra; we couldn’t let him go.”

WHO: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Eckehard Stier
WHAT: APN News & Media Premier Series Season Finale, featuring Mahler Symphony No.5 and Messiaen L’Ascension
WHERE: Auckland Town Hall
WHEN: 8pm, Thursday 22 November
BOOKINGS: 09 357 3355; www.buytickets.co.nz

SETTLING THE SCORE – LIVE! | Radio New Zealand Concert | New Zealand’s favourite music revealed | 8pm, Thu 15 November | Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE | Tickets and more information, click HERE

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