Close Encounters of the classical kind with the NZSO

1 October 2012 - NZSO Media Release for immediate release

Close Encounters of the classical kind with the NZSO – for free!

Ever wondered what led someone to compose an opera? Or what story lies behind your favourite music? Well now you can find out.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is bringing you two close encounters of the classical kind. Following the success of last year’s popular Close Encounters we’re offering you another chance to delve deeper into the stories behind the music.

Explore tales of love in Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique and uncover New Zealand’s unique link to Elgar’s Enigma Variations as conductor Peter Walls guides you through excerpts performed live by the NZSO.

Keep your ears open for some comedy in the overture to Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (Abduction from the Seraglio Overture) when a group of rowdy percussion instruments make an appearance.

“Mozart’s comic operas are never just funny though,” says Peter Walls. “Mozart has a gift at engaging real human emotion through his music. Actually, every work in this short encounter engages very directly with the audience.”

Musical signposts (and no jargon) will be used to help you navigate your way and discover themes of dance and love behind some of the world’s greatest orchestral repertoire.

Join us live at lunchtime, after work with friends, or come to both! For free!

Get the inside story at Close Encounters… of the classical kind, made possible with support from Wellington Community Trust.

To claim your free general admission ticket(s) please call Ticketek on 0800 842 538.

Tickets are free when booked in person at the Michael Fowler Centre Ticketek box office. Tickets booked by phone, or via other outlets will incur a booking fee. Maximum of six tickets allowed per person.

ENDS

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