APO Spills the Jellybeans for Storylines

APO Spills the Jellybeans for Storylines

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is teaming up with author Tessa Duder and the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children's Writers and Illustrators for two free performances.

Duder has adapted her acclaimed 1985 novella Jellybean for the stage, and the story of a young girl who dreams of becoming a conductor now features three actors - and a full symphony orchestra playing music from Tchaikovsky's ballet The Nutcracker.

This world premiere performance is directed by acclaimed English opera singer and director Linda Kitchen, while the APO is conducted by Judith Yan.

One of North America's most exciting young conductors, Yan has worked extensively in Canada and the United States, and was recently named Artistic Director of Guelph Symphony Orchestra.

"As a long-time admirer of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, I am grateful for the APO's faith and input into the project," says Tessa Duder. "Their magnificent playing of seven excerpts from The Nutcracker will be a key feature of the live re-telling of Jellybean's story. In young actor Ruby Love we have a perfect Jellybean, and with Judith Yan conducting and direction by Linda Kitchen, we hope it will be an appealing addition to the repertoire for young people's concerts."

APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser paid tribute to Jellybean's author.

"Tessa Duder is one of the key figures in New Zealand children's literature - and a regular at our concerts - so it's wonderful to be working with her on this project," Glaser says. "The orchestra is always looking for opportunities to reach young people, and Jellybean makes for a perfect combination of great literature, great music and great entertainment for young people."

The concerts, which take place at Auckland's Aotea Centre on Sunday 28 August at 1.30 and 3pm, last for one hour and form part of the Storylines Festival Free Family Day.

WHO: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

WHAT: Tessa Duder's Jellybean

WHERE: Aotea Centre, Auckland

WHEN: Sunday August 28, 1.30 and 3pm

WHY: For the Storylines Festival of New Zealand Children's Writers and Illustrators

COST: Free

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.storylines.org.nz, http://www.apo.co.nz

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