The Friends of the NZSO exists partly to give themselves musical entertainment and background, and partly to raise money for the orchestra.  To help promote those aims around twenty NZSO players plus guest pianists and mezzo soprano Annabel Cheetham took part in a highly entertaining potpourri of mainly chamber music before a full Ilott Theatre. The concert began with Carolyn Mills on the platform, alone with her harp, to play Autumn Arabesque by her former colleague Kenneth Young, achieving music beautifully adapted to the harp; at first ethereal, later adorned with arpeggios that no harp piece could be without, moving...  Read More »

We missed a rather significant concert at the Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall on Saturday 10 October. NZSO Assistant Concertmaster Donald Armstrong and colleagues organized a Family Concert the proceeds from which went to the Sarah Lilli Fund which helps children in need to pursue creative, sporting or other interests. Donald had a personal interest; his son was ‘best friends’ with Sarah Lilli who died aged ten, six years ago. She died suddenly of a rare brain disorder and her family, with Barnardos, set up the fund to help disadvantaged children by giving them the opportunity to pursue an educational,...  Read More »