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The Weekend Sun
Transport yourself to a brave new world Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture will open BOP Symphonia’s Brave New World concert at 2pm on Sunday, December 2 at Baycourt; a concert to delight the senses and stir the musical emotions. As the New World Symphony, Grieg’s piano concerto was written while the composer was away from his homeland in Norway, enjoying the warmer
climate of Denmark. Nevertheless, Norwegian influences are said to have shaped this popular concerto. As a curious aside, this concerto was the first piano concerto ever recorded, back in 1909, somehow reduced to a mere six minutes. Dvorak’s New World stands as one of the great symphonies of all time and was written while the composer lived in New York for a number of years. Dvorak felt that an American compositional style was in the process
of emerging, although looking back, we should wonder whether Dvorak’s very own music may not have influenced later icons of American music such as Bernstein, Copland and Barber. Concert promoter Marlene Stewart says the Baycourt audience will be thrilled to welcome back acclaimed 21-year-old pianist Jason Bae who has been engaged by the symphonia’s new music director, Justus Rozemond, to perform both symphonies. “Jason’s achievements, performances and awards since 2003 are mind-blowing, even though he began lessons at the age of five.” After presenting recitals in New York, Aspen, Sydney,
Melbourne, Brisbane and Wellington during the last couple of months, Jason presented his debut recital at the Auckland Town Hall Concert Chamber in September. The concert was a sell-out. Justus and 55 symphonia musicians – including eight student musicians – invite you to a memorable Sunday afternoon, the last symphonia concert of the year. “In the words of that wonderful song ‘Wouldn’t it be luverly...’ if Tauranga turned out to give Jason what he deserves – the ‘Sold Out’ sign up at Baycourt. Music lovers and piano students, don’t miss this one only performance.”
Jason Bae will play the piano at both events.
Volunteers needed for Christmas appeal Want to give something back this Christmas? Waipuna Hospice is looking for volunteers to help run its annual Remembrance Tree appeal starting later this month. Each year the Tauranga charity can be seen around the city, helping people remember loved ones and raising money for Hospice. Beginning November 26, trees will be displayed at the Warehouse Fraser Cove, Pak’n Save Tauranga, ANZ National Bank Katikati and BNZ Te Puke.
For a $2 donation people can write a message to a loved one, which will be placed with a colourful bauble on the tree. Early next year, the messages will be blessed during a remembrance service and buried beneath the tree at Waipuna Hospice. “This has become a meaningful tradition for many people across the Bay,” says Waipuna Hospice spokesperson Ingrid Hennessey. Ingrid says the success of the appeal depends on volunteers and there are still spaces available at various sites. The role involves taking donations and assisting the public with placing the bauble on the tree. “Volunteers are encouraged to invite a friend to keep them company and take the chance to interact with our community in a slightly different way.” For those who work during the day but still want to help out, Bayfair sites will operate during evenings and weekends, therefore there are plenty of opportunities to suit everyone’s schedule, says Ingrid. For more information contact Jolande by phone 576 5935 or by email on jdestreel@vodafone.co.nz By Corrie Taylor
IDEA Services support person Sherilyn Dawson helping out with the annual appeal.