The macabre and a cello celebration forms the base of the Central Otago Regional
Orchestra’s November concert series to be performed in Wanaka and Roxburgh. Danse
Macabre Op.40 (Saint-Saëns) is based on the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the
liturgical year where the saints (hallows), martyrs and faithful dead are remembered. This
takes place on the Eve of All Hallows Day. The composer gave a dramatic musical view of
this occasion providing the listener with a collation of pathos, dramatic intensity and
eeriness with the use of chromatics, crescendos. accelerando and occasional calm. Think
Halloween on steroids! Our very own Sheena Naughton will play the exciting violin solo in
this piece.
Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns composed his Cello Concerto No 1. Op. 33 in A minor as a
celebration of the cello. This concerto is nontraditional because the three movements
within it are not separated in the normal way, but rather morph from one to the other In a
seamless fashion. The cello and all its capacity for musical expression and virtuosity is given
a huge opportunity to shine. Our soloist for this work is looking forward to demonstrating
the power and subilty of his special carbon fibre cello to Central Otago audiences. Jason is a
member of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra and has played in other orchestras in the
North Island.
The fact that he is the son of our conductor and that his mother Jacqui will be in support on
her mellow bassoon will give our November concert series a real family feel. This theme of
family will be further enhanced by the inclusion of a piece by one of our longstanding
orchestra-family members. Allen Hogan, who is a member of our flute section has
composed a work called Seanaid which has Celtic themes running throughout its course.
Complimenting these pieces, and, to somewhat lighten the ambience, Greig’s Symphonic
Dance Op.64, No. 2, is a beautiful melodic piece of music featuring some very smooth oboe
solos.
Percussion will come to the fore in the Procession of the Sardar No.4 by Ippolitov-Inanov.
Leading the charge in the percussion for our concert will be Ayako Cameron on timpani (and
other rhythm makers). She will be joined by a team to give a resounding rendition of this
procession which celebrates the Sardar, or feudal lord, in the area of the Caucasus
Mountains.
Join us between our mountains overlooked by Tititea, (Mount Aspiring), in Wānaka and
Kopuwai (Old Man Range) Roxburgh for a powerful November concert series.
Venues and Times:
Lake Wānaka Centre, Wānaka, November 9, at 7.30 pm and Roxburgh Entertainment
Centre, November 10, at 2.00pm
Tickets will be available on-line and through local outlets.
