Looking to Our Past Brings Music in to Our Children’s Future

Looking to Our Past Brings Music in to Our Children’s Future

Capital E National Theatre for Children and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra break new ground at this year’s biennial Festival for Children with a brand new symphonic work, Sky Dancer.

Witi Ihimaera’s novel, Sky Dancer, is the inspiration behind the recent collaborative work of Capital E National Theatre for Children and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Composed by Gareth Farr, this story of epic proportions takes young audiences on a journey into the past and is being hailed as the perfect introduction to classical music for young ears.

“Sky Dancer aims to bring to the world of classical music a work that engages the young in the beauty of the symphonic sound through a composition that has a true New Zealand voice.’’ Creative Producer, Stephen Blackburn says.

“Hence we approached Gareth Farr to compose a work inspired by the novel by Witi Ihimaera; mix that with two of the nation’s national touring arts organisations, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the National Theatre for Children and you will have an experience never to be forgotten.”

This beautifully crafted work follows the journey of Skylark, a young girl who becomes embroiled in a prophecy, which sees her embark on a dazzling trip into the past to save the future of these islands’ earliest inhabitants - the birds.

Before setting off on a national tour set to wow audiences across the country, the world premiere of Sky Dancer will be performed in the Wellington Town Hall at this year’s Capital E National Arts Festival next month. The full resplendent sound of the NZSO will take to the stage accompanied by stunning puppetry and large scale projection. The magical world of the past evolves from the majesty of the symphony with larger than life birds reminiscent of the orchestra’s instruments and musical scores that have a life of their own; just some of the intriguing visual elements audiences can expect to see.

Well known New Zealander, Tanea Heke, famous for productions such as No. 2, Second Hand Wedding and Eagle vs.Shark, leads the talented cast and is delighted to be returning to her hometown of Wellington to take part in this exciting project.

Led by US based kiwi conductor and former NZSO National Youth Orchestra Trumpeter, Grant Cooper and directed by Sara Brodie, this work is a strong introduction to the workings of an orchestra as well as an innovative way for the whole family to enjoy this unique theatrical experience.

Tickets are on sale now for The Dominion Post Festival Season of Sky Dancer and with three Festival shows for the price of two, there has never been a better way to get your family fix of theatre!

Sky Dancer public performance: Wellington Town Hall, Fri 15 March, 6pm
Capital E National Arts Festival: 11 – 23 March 2013
More details and bookings: 04 913 3740 www.capitale.org.nz
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