French impressionism’s glories
Sunday’s concert by Manawatu Sinfonia, a delightful mix of the glories of French impressionism, proved to be a lush treat for the ear.
It allowed the audience to relish in the rich orchestral colours so characteristic of the music of this time.
Faure’s popular Pavane, while a surprising choice to open this concert, proved to be an
inspired introduction to the programme.
Its gentle pizzicato strings and that’s when his luck changed. He was offered a role in The Phantom of the Opera and at the same time, had made it through a series of auditions for De La Gaurda, an aerial and physical theatre company. ‘‘That was my dream role – a perfect mix of sport and dance and haunting flute melody beautifully captured attention, preparing the audience for the delicate delights ahead.
Berlioz’s glorious Les nuits d’ete featured an engaging performance by mezzo-soprano Maaike Christie Beekman, whose dark, rich voice magnificently captured the subtle glories of the work.
She was beautifully supported by the Sinfonia throughout the song-cycle.
The second half of the concert featured two works by Maurice Ravel – Pavane for a Dead Princess, along with Mother Goose Suite.
Both works revelled in the tonal beauty of the orchestra, while providing great challenges for players.
Atkins’ attention to expressive detail ensured both works were well realised in this concert, as the glories of impressionism were on he says people were ‘‘really showing a desire to see indigenous stories’’. ‘‘And being able to offer that aerial element just made the story telling really rich. It’s another whole minefield of explosive material to play with.’’ He took that vibe to WOW – World of Wearableart Awards, as guest choreographer in 2013, and then 11 years ago, an idea started to flicker between Gray and Kiwi musician Tiki Taane. ‘‘I love the collaborative process and this one was so epic in that way. When I first heard Tiki’s songs before Past, Present and Futures came out, I just knew there was a story in there. The music just unfolded the story for me and you could see the depth that had gone into those songs. They were very personal and you could feel that.’’ Honouring stories that don’t get told very often was a focus and Gray ended up weaving together a story about two family lines. ‘‘The father passes away in a car accident caused by the partner from another family line. It’s then the children that have to heal the rift and display throughout.
Following the completion of his masters in musical performance at the New Zealand School of Music, ex-palmerston North pianist Andrew Atkins obviously takes great pleasure from working from the conductor’s podium.
This concert was a warm tribute to his ability and the obvious musicianship evident across the Manawatu Sinfonia. the wounds created by their parents. It’s very Romeo and Juliet in a way, but it is very much our story. Tiki Taane Mahuta is a proud expression of Aotearoa identity.’’
A journey too from a man who knew early on that the stage was a powerful place.
Gray hasn’t been afraid of the turns life can take and it’s at those junctures that his most important lessons were learnt. And now here, in Manawatu, Gray and his wife have decided to teach their children.
The Lego has been discarded and Gray’s son is on to a drawing now. His daughter has her nose in a book and Yumiko is doing maths with their other son. And the sun still streams through and fills a house that is brimful with life.
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