Orchestra Wellington Releases New LIVE Recording

The Double LP ‘Orchestra Wellington - LIVE’ marks the first New Zealand independently produced classical vinyl release in 30 years.

In 2017, as part of their ongoing partnership with Radio New Zealand Concert, Orchestra Wellington, New Zealand’s longest running and most well-attended regional orchestra, made live recordings of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21 and ‘Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat major, Op. 55 ‘Eroica,’ at Wellington’s award-winning concert hall The Michael Fowler Centre.

“We knew that the orchestra was sure footed in music of the period and the playing here was superbly stylish from all sections. The result was the finest 'Eroica' I have heard for a very long time” - Dominion Post (Concert Review/Dec 2017)

This month, they’re releasing those recordings as Orchestra Wellington - LIVE, on traditional compact disc and also on double vinyl LP. This marks the first New Zealand classical vinyl release (sans soundtrack and accompaniments) in the last thirty years. Presented on 180 gram red and white coloured vinyl as a double LP in a firm gatefold cover, Orchestra Wellington - LIVE is an opportunity to take the magic of those superbly stylish pieces - as conducted by jet-setting music director Marc Taddei - home.

With sales at the highest point since 1985, vinyl is currently experiencing a global renaissance, and classical music is one of the fastest growing genres within this boom. After opening the door into the home audiophile world with Orchestra Wellington - LIVE, they hope to begin pairing up traditional recordings contemporary pieces from the pool of local composers they work with for future vinyl releases.

“Imagine Mozart or Dvorak on one side, paired with a Claire Cowan, Simon Eastwood, or Leila Adu compositions on the flip. The timing is right. It’s a great time for vinyl lovers, and a great time for new experiences with orchestral music” - Marek Peszynski

The Orchestra Wellington - LIVE LP is the brainchild of Orchestra Wellington marketing manager Marek Peszynski, a former record store clerk, nightclub DJ and event promoter with two decades of music industry experience. Since coming onboard part time in 2013, his role has grown to oversee a series of unique projects that have maintained the spirit of Orchestra Wellington while exposing the orchestral experience to new audiences: producing two sold-out live renditions of the soundtrack to Disney film Moana with South Pacific ensemble Te Vaka, building the groundbreaking Virtual Reality Conductor Experience, and playing a part in successful regional performances in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua Park with international singing sensations SOL3 Mio.

Orchestra Wellington - LIVE CD/2LP are available for purchase through all good NZ record stores, or online through www.orchestrawellington.co.nz

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