Europe Day spreads Ode to Joy around waterfront

Europe Day spreads Ode to Joy around waterfront

May 9 is Europe Day, a celebration of peace and unity in Europe. To mark the day, musicians from Orchestra Wellington are playing music for two special events put on by the Delegation of the European Union to New Zealand.

At 9am on Sunday May 8, a brass quintet from Orchestra Wellington will play the official anthem of the European Union, the Ode to Joy, at a flag-raising ceremony at Frank Kitts Park.

The quintet will then move around the waterfront to offer "pop-up" performances of Ode to Joy in different locations.

A more formal event will take place on Monday 9th at the Michael Fowler Centre's Lion Harbourview Lounge, attended by the EU Charge d'Affaires and the Attorney General, Chris Finlayson. A string octet from the orchestra will provide anthems and music for the reception.

Orchestra Wellington will also feature Ode to Joy while performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in its entirety, on Saturday June 11th, 7.30pm, at the Michael Fowler Centre to launch the Last Words! 2016 Subscription Series - when the orchestra delights in some of the most profound music ever composed under the baton of music director Marc Taddei.

Orchestra Wellington General Manager Kirsten Mason says the orchestra is pleased to be involved in the commemorative event, especially as its members include a number of players from nations that now form the European Union.

ENDS

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