Pipe band concert treat for Celtic fans
If, like me, you have become a fan of the Outlander books and TV series, and have a yearning for all things Scottish (or even if it is just the latter), you are in for a treat. The City of New Plymouth Caledonian Pipe Band will present a concert of pipe band music, supported by Dave Smith singing Scottish songs and the trio Chantry, which comprises Val Smith (Scottish small pipes), Patricia Leonard (Celtic harp) and Peter Galvin (whistle). Even if you have not a skerrick of Scottish blood, there’s nothing quite like the emotional appeal of the Celtic melodies, the skirl of the pipes and the swirl of the kilts. It’s at the New Plymouth Club on Sunday October 30 at 2pm. Tickets are available from the Club plus door sales. Adults $15, Child $5.
Many young players are very busy at this time of the year with school exams, but still find time for music. On Saturday October 29 five performers will compete for the IRMT Young Musician of the Year Award at St Andrew’s Church at 7.30pm. $15 adults, students free. Door sales - cash or cheque only.Then on Friday, November 4 the Taranaki Youth Orchestra presents a Family and Friends concert at 7pm at St Andrew’s Church. There will be the usual variety of approachable pieces expertly chosen by conductor Jocelyn Beath, and some special solos. The orchestra will accompany violinist Ben Hall in the Beethoven Romance, and there will be a solo by marimba expert Dominic Jacquemard, as well as performances by two winning chamber groups: Euphoria (winners of the best performance of a NZ work) playing Pastorale and Rustic Dance by David Hamilton and regional winners Opus playing Piano Trio by Carl Bohm. Entry by gold coin donation.
The Madrigal Companie, conducted by Paul Cooke, has a very special concert on Armistice Day (11 November), entitled Lux in Tenebris [Light in the Darkness], with all proceeds supporting the Cathedral earthquake remediation work. The venue is the Peace Hall, where St Mary’s services are currently held. It’s at 7.30pm and entry is $20.
Don’t Forget: Garden Treats at Tupare - music and munchies with Taranaki Symphony Orchestra - Saturday October 29 and Sunday 30, 9.30am-4pm. The Great Taranaki Steam Band plays at Waiongana Garden Sunday October 30, 2pm - 4pm.