A NIGHT ON THE TOWN
ORCHESTRAL ADVENTURES:
Little known fact – the video games industry is one of the world’s largest consumers of classical music and The Legend of Zelda, first released in 1986, one of the longestrunning games. Now the two join forces in Auckland in a globe-trotting concert tour where 30 years of video game history unfolds complete with a stirring cinematic video presentation synced with actionpacked soundtracks performed live by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and a full choir. The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Monday.
ROYAL AFFAIR:
London, 1660 – the drab, grey Puritans are gone and theatre is all the rage again especially now there’s a new fad for putting a woman – an “actor-ess” – on the stage. When the King’s Company at Drury Lane casts the pretty, witty orange-seller Nell Gwynn as its first leading lady, she captures the heart of Charles II and becomes a 17th century media sensation. An amusing look at plays, politics, celebrity and royal love affairs. Nell Gwynn, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Tuesday – Wednesday, August 30.
NEW PAINTINGS:
Philip Trusttum is one of our best known contemporary artists, experimenting with and refining ideas and techniques to suit his own temperament. Now he brings to Auckland new work, bristling with expressive energy, that looks at the changing face of his city, Christchurch, where the landscape seems to be dominated by notices: detour notices, stop/go notices, exits via stairways, no exits, entrances, carparks and ramps. Philip Trusttum, Whitespace Gallery, Tuesday – Saturday, September 2.
MUSICAL MAGIC:
From video games to musicals, it’s a busy week for the Auckland Philharmonia orchestra. From the wit of Chicago to the enduring beauty of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, they’re working with New Zealand Opera to present a night of tunes that make musical theatre magic. Soprano Taryn Fiebig, mezzo soprano Phoebe Hurst and bass-baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes perform with the Freemasons NZ Opera Chorus. Magic of the Musicals, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Thursday.
ELUSIVE ELECTRONICA:
Local singerproducer Miloux made waves with her debut EP1, which combined dynamic, refined electronic production with honeyed vocals and elusive song writing. Now she’s following that up with the appropriately titled EP2 and celebrating with a release party at The Kings Arms. Miloux has already shared the hypnotic, sensual first single and, with support from local DJs and hip-hop acts, the release party promises a night of mesmerising performances that will showcase Auckland’s excellent electronic scene. Miloux, The Kings Arms Tavern, Friday.
LOCAL MEETS GLOBAL:
Local electronica/hip-hop group Yoko Zuna is one of Auckland’s most exciting live acts, with a chameleonic ability to embrace a variety of sounds with a thrilling performative energy. After a quiet phase, Yoko Zuna returns to the stage for The Loft Series, an ongoing gig series that aims to bring local and world music together for exciting and diverse ensemble events. Yoko Zuna play Cassette 9 with a number of bands and DJs for a night of dance music that will draw on a broad range of musical scenes. Yoko Zuna, Cassette 9, Saturday.
Dionne Christian and George Fenwick