Stravinsky Salute— And Explanation (Press, 8 June 1982)

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is set to present a centenary tribute to composer Igor Stravinsky with a performance of his suite “Les Noces (The Wedding)” on June 17, 1982. This complex work is a suite made up of typical wedding scenes expressed through common conversations. To aid audience understanding, an explanatory lecture will take place an hour before the concert. The performance demands a significant ensemble, including four pianists, five vocal soloists, percussion, and a choir, featuring notable local talents such as Wendy Dixon, Anthea Moller, Anthony Benfell, Bruce Carson, and Howard Harvey for vocal parts, alongside the Christchurch Harmonic Choir directed by David Childs. The four pianists, all students from the University of Canterbury under Maurice Till, include Sharon Joy Vogan, Janet Williams, Lea Henderson, and Michael Lawrence. The percussion section consists of NZSO players including Gary Brain and Trevor Dean. The concert will commence with a lively performance of Haydn's Symphony No. 88, part of the NZSO's celebration of Haydn’s 250th birthday. The finale will be Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 2, known for its length and unique structure, featuring distinguished Russian-born pianist Mark Zeltser as the soloist. Zeltser, who emigrated to the United States in 1976, gained recognition after a sensational debut at the Salzburg Festival in 1977 and has since performed worldwide. This tour marks his first collaboration with the NZSO. The NZSO will be under the baton of Michi Inoue, who recently conducted at the Stravinsky festival in La Scala, Milan, and is on his sixth tour with the orchestra. Additionally, the Canterbury University School of Music is presenting the final series in their complete organ works of J.S. Bach which began this month. Organ recitals, featuring lecturers Graham Hollobon and Martin Setchell, will take place at fortnightly intervals, showcasing major works including the “Great” G minor Fantasia and Fugue. The next recital is scheduled for June 15. The Harmonic Chorale will offer a nostalgic look back at the 1940s with a concert at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, featuring works by Stravinsky, Copland, and Kodaly. Notably, Stravinsky's Mass for Mixed Chorus and Double Wind Quintet aims to blend medieval and modern elements. Judy Bellingham will perform as a soloist in Copland’s “In the Beginning,” while Don Whelan will accompany the Missa Brevis by Kodaly, conducted by John Pattinson. Moreover, a photographic exhibition illustrating New Zealand architecture, prepared for an American audience, is showcased at the Town Hall until June 12. This display, organized by the New Zealand Institute of Architects, highlights the nation’s buildings and has been touring since its initial presentation at the New Zealand Chancery in Washington. Lastly, Christchurch actor Mervyn Glue will star in his first one-man show, “The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin,” a play written by Australian Steve J. Spears, which opens at the Southern Ballet Theatre. This production features Glue in the role of Robert O'Brien, a middle-aged transvestite speech teacher, who engages with imaginary characters, providing keen commentary throughout the performance.

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