Oboe star joins NZSO for return of “world-class” concert

25 January 2011 - NZSO Media Release for immediate release

Oboe star joins NZSO for return of “world-class” concert series

Woodwind players of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra take to the stage with one of the world’s leading oboists next month, for the return of the acclaimed NZSO Soloists series.

Gordon Hunt joins an ensemble of NZSO musicians for Wind Power in Wellington, Napier, Rotorua, Tauranga and Hamilton, featuring works of classical elegance by Beethoven and Richard Strauss. He will both conduct and perform at each concert.

The programme will showcase the expressive skill of NZSO woodwind players, who were singled out for special praise by European critics during last year’s international tour.

Gordon Hunt is Principal Oboe of the Philharmonia Orchestra and a highly sought after soloist, also renowned for his work directing leading international wind ensembles.

Previously he has played live before a TV audience of 30 million, and he performed at the 2005 service celebrating the Prince of Wales’ marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles.

NZSO Principal Oboe Robert Orr said Hunt’s international reputation precedes him.

“He is one of the most significant oboe players of his generation, and hugely respected worldwide. It will be very exciting to hear him share his musical ideas and play alongside him.”

The brilliantly innovative NZSO Soloists chamber music series made its debut in 2010 and attracted critical acclaim for the intimacy of its concerts and the exceptional musicianship of NZSO players.

The concerts were declared “immediately world class” (Dominion Post), with performances “instigating exemplary standards that were never compromised” (NZ Herald).

The series is presented in association with National Bank Private Banking and Ryman Healthcare Ltd. Further NZSO Soloists tours in 2011 will highlight brass and strings.

ENDS

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