Houstoun To Play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata

Michael Houstoun To Play Beethoven's ' Moonlight ' Sonata At The 14th Manawatu Mayday Concert

Dion Martin, coordinator of the 14th annual Manawatu Mayday Concert, to be held at the Regent on Broadway, Palmerston North, at 7.30pm on Saturday 3 May, is, "thrilled to announce that one of New Zealand's greatest pianists, Michael Houstoun, has agreed to play Beethoven's ' Moonlight ' sonata , all 16 minutes, 47 seconds".

"Michael Houstoun is highly regarded for his performances of Beethoven's music, and what better composer from the world of classical music to feature in a concert that celebrates ' International Workers Day ' than Ludwig van Beethoven? He was one of music's great revolutionaries, believing passionately in freedom from political and social oppression, and in the brotherhood of Man"

"Not for nothing is his music still used around the world as a symbol and a focus for movements advocating liberty, equality and fraternity."

"Works like his Third, Fifth and Ninth Symphonies, his opera 'Fidelio' and the 'Pathetique', 'Moonlight' and 'Appassionata' Piano Sonata's are statements depicting conflict, struggle and eventual triumph over adversity"

"The 'Moonlight' Sonata's gently deceptive opening movements prelude a heaven-storming finale which brings the listener face-to-face with the revolutionary firebrand composer who refused to bow down to anybody, and whose music takes on the world, and speaks to the individual in affirming and energizing tones"

"Michael Houstoun's performance is one of many Mayday Concert items not to be missed on Saturday 3 May"

"We are determined to keep the Manawatu Mayday Concert accessible to all, and entry is once again a mere gold coin donation, thanks to wonderful funding support from the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, and the Palmerston North Community Arts Council and Creative Communities New Zealand"

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