Over 250 musicians from all over the world have joined the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for a spectacular rendition of Strauss’ Radetsky March.
The APO invited musicians of all ages to join their Virtual Play-In, recording themselves from their homes and arranged together.
It featured musicians from New Zealand, Mexico, USA, Canada, Spain, Japan, China, Australia, UK, Ireland and Denmark. Over half the participants were under the age of 20.
The Virtual Play-In was APO Assistant Conductor-in-Residence Vincent Hardaker’s first project in his new role.
“It’s been hugely interesting to be thrown into this circumstance for the APO but, at the same time, digital concerts could become an integral part of the orchestra’s musical future,” says Hardaker.
“Ongoing travel restrictions mean that it may be some time before guest artists from overseas can perform live with the orchestra, the digital world gives us other options. In a way, then, it’s provided some great experience,” he adds.
APO CEO Barbara Glaser says that during the lockdown, many people have turned to classical music as a source of entertainment. “We’ve always known the connection and joy classical music can bring, and that people often turn to classical music in times of stress, but we are delighted to see this reflected in people’s lockdown activities and listening behaviour.”
APO has released a series of virtual concerts over the past few months.
Their next event is the APO Encore Livestream: Unwrap Mendelssohn’s Italian on Thursday 28 May at 1pm. Visit apo.co.nz/Encore-Livestreams to watch.
