Symphony goes down a treat

Porirua’s Te Rauparaha Arena played host to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra last week as 1100 local school children were treated to a top shelf musical experience.

The NZSO invited local schools to bring children along to hear them rehearse as they prepare for their upcoming national concert series Swing into Spring.

The rehearsal featured 64 players from the NZSO plus 19 members of the Rodger Fox Big Band.

Schools from around Porirua jumped at the chance to be there, said Rebecca Martin from Porirua City Council’s Events and Sponsorships team.

‘‘About 1100 young people heard some of New Zealand’s top musicians perform a variety of pieces, including modern numbers by Lorde and Fat Freddy’s Drop. That’s a pretty unique experience at that age,’’ she said. ’’I loved watching the kids’ faces as the music started, and saw a few mimicking playing the instruments in their seats. It was great to see.’’

Porirua East School deputy principal Ruth Mahupuku-Kelly attended with 150 students.

‘‘The children and teachers loved it,’’ she said.