Overview
Following the New Zealand Government's decision to ban all non-essential gatherings in an effort to 'flatten the curve' of COVID-19, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has announced that all public concerts and associated activity have been suspended.
The national orchestra will use other ways to bring world-class music to New Zealanders, and on Wednesday, 25 March will premiere its new online performance. The at-home performance Play Our Part will live-stream for free at 7.30pm and can be viewed via smart TV, mobile phone, tablet or computer.
As part of the performance, NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen and several Section Principals have filmed themselves at home each playing one of their favourite pieces of music. Pianist Stephen De Pledge has also been filmed playing one of JS Bach's famous Goldberg Variations.
The NZSO had planned to present a live stream performance of Bach's Goldberg Variations in its entirety with the Orchestra's players performing together in Wellington. NZSO says that Play Our Part will be the first of more at-home performances in the coming weeks under the orchestra's Engage@Home project. Other performances being considered include duets by NZSO couples who share the same home.