APO promises summer’s most elegant concert

APO promises summer’s most elegant concert

Audiences are invited to pack their picnic baskets and shake the sand out of their beach towels for Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's traditional Summer Matinée concert.

Held in the beautiful grounds of Government House, Mt Eden, the February Summer Matinée is an APO institution and heralds the beginning of the concert season.

Supported this year by Chapman Tripp, Summer Matinée 2012 is particularly notable. It is the first APO concert hosted by the new Governor-General, The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mataparae, and his wife Lady Janine. The event is also marked by the presence of one of New Zealand's finest singers, tenor Simon O'Neill, who performs an enticing mix of classical arias and popular songs.

Master of ceremonies for the occasion is radio and television favourite Jim Mora.

To accompany the afternoon of fine musical staples, audiences may bring their own refreshments to the concert. However, for an extra sense of occasion they can pre-order Dawsons food hampers and Villa Maria wine when booking tickets through the APO.

"I'd like to thank our hosts, The Rt Hon Sir Jerry and Lady Janine Mataparae, for continuing the tradition of allowing the APO to use Government House for this special concert," says APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser. "Summer Matinée is always a highlight of the annual events calendar. It's an opportunity to see and hear Auckland's own orchestra in one of New Zealand's most beautiful settings, and that makes it as enjoyable for the experience as it is for the music. It truly is the year's most elegant picnic."

Note: There are no gate sales for Summer Matinée; tickets must be purchased beforehand.

Who: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra with special guests Simon O'Neill, tenor, and master of ceremonies Jim Mora
What: APO Summer Matinée
Where: Government House, Mt Eden
When: 2pm, Saturday 11 Feb, 2012 (Rain date: Sunday 12 February)
Bookings: www.apo.co.nz, (09) 6231052

Quick facts
• The lawn of Government House has been declared a 'Garden of National Significance' by the New Zealand Gardens Trust
• As the home of the Governor General, Government House is where Her Majesty the Queen stays when she is in Auckland

ENDS

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