KCO season’s 40’s send-off
O¯ taki Memorial Hall hosts orchestra’s final concert of 2023
The Ka¯piti Concert Orchestra presents its final concert for the year on November 11 in the O¯ taki Memorial Hall. KCO Salutes the 40’s is a blend of music from New Zealand composers and the light-hearted swing band American style of Cole Porter, Hoagy Carmichael, Artie Shaw and Richard Rodgers — to name a few.
In the 1940s, Paekakariki was a temporary home to US Marines. Their influence in the Wellington region was not only in safeguarding New Zealand waters, but the renowned social scene that was a highlight for many locals.
Michael Vinten is a popular guest conductor with KCO and audiences. His programmes hold great appeal to all ages and this one in Otaki is no exception. Put on your 40’s glad rags and join in the spirit of this musical era. Admission is free for children under 12, but seats will still need to be booked.
Keen musicians from Foxton to the Hutt Valley attend weekly rehearsals in Paekakariki despite long distances to travel. They are attracted to this community orchestra because it plays several roles where everyone can happily fit in. It provides a warm and welcoming environment for students to gain orchestral skills, opportunities to play a wide-ranging repertoire, those wanting to return to playing, and where newcomers can give it a go.
O¯ taki and Te Horo musicians Angela, Mary, Fran and Suzanne are
long-serving and valuable members of KCO. They also contribute significantly to their community, teaching tamariki or taking part in local musical productions.
Angela, a local vet, has been principal clarinettist in the orchestra since it began in 2004. “I love being part of a team and playing in the middle of a 50-piece orchestra on concert day. It is an amazing experience. I particularly enjoy our concerts in O¯ taki as the audience is so appreciative.”
Angela also plays bass and E-flat clarinets and saxophone, venturing into the “dark side” with the Brasso jazz ensemble. For the KCO Salutes the 40’s concert on November 11 at the O¯ taki Memorial Hall, Angela will be in her element playing both clarinet
and saxophone.
Second violinist and percussionist Fran moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2011. From many years spent as a warrant officer in the Women’s Royal Army Corp Staff Band in England as a percussionist — the only allfemale military band in the world — Fran has enjoyed being able to pick up playing the violin again for KCO and also doubles as a percussionist.
“I spend one day a week with our wonderful tamariki, passing on my knowledge and love of music to school children. I also enjoy playing percussion for local and professional theatre groups. Music in all its genres has been my life’s passion.”
With the orchestra’s final concert of the year at O¯ taki’s Memorial Hall, Fran will be centre stage on her drum kit and swinging to 40s big-band music.
Growing up in North Yorkshire, music has always been in Suzanne’s life. Starting at the age of 7, she has had many years’ experience playing the cello in England. Suzanne unequivocally says, “Music is my lifeline. It puts me in a different place, different space. It’s not work, it’s not being Mum — just being me!”
She is not only principal cellist with KCO but also a professional piano tuner, which takes her all over the region. She learned her craft in London where she met husband Dave, who is an electric bass player in the Liberty Swing Band.