Immerse yourself in a superb programme featuring some of the great works of the Russian canon. From the lush Romantic repertoire we'll bring you Rachmaninov's Two Movements for String Quartet, written when he was just a teenager, and the Quartet no 1 by his idol Tchaikovsky, containing the famous Andante cantabile that moved Tolstoy to tears when he first heard it. In stark contrast, Shostakovich's powerful 3rd String Quartet will take you on an emotional journey through the psychological minefield the composer was forced to navigate in the war-torn Soviet Union of the 1940s. Whether you're a confirmed 'Russophile', a chamber music devotee or a complete newcomer to our concerts, we're confident you'll be moved, one way or another, by these Russian masterpieces.
Programme One
Rachmaninov: Two Movements for String Quartet
Shostakovich: String Quartet no. 3 in F, op 73
INTERVAL
Tchaikovsky: String Quartet no. 1 in D, op 11
A great opportunity for Old St John's to showcase the fabulous acoustics and wonderful organ with a recital of well known pieces by local performer Ga'bor Tolnay.
Tea and Cup Cakes provided.
A line up for Nelson's best musicians is getting behind fellow muso Suzi Fray in a fundraising variety concert to support her overseas cancer treatment.
The lead singer of the Johnny Cash tribute band, The Johnnys, was diagnosed just weeks ago with a rare form of uterine cancer and is out to raise $80,000 for treatment in a German clinic. Concert organiser Pete Rainey said the Nelson musical community wanted to help and was doing what it did best - play music!
The amazing line up includes The Johnnys, Django Schmango, Mojo Funk Orchestra, Ryan Behre in Funkin' Slo Cuts, The Immigrants and more!
There will also be opportunities to make your donations at the theatre on the day of the concert or via https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/suzifray
The highly anticipated Lucky Stars Tour will take to the road come June 2015, with an epic string of tour dates around the country, when Don McGlashan will be joined on stage by Tom Rodwell and Chris O'Connor for two sets of music each night.
On Friday April 17 pre-eminent singer/songwriter Don McGlashan unveiled Lucky Stars, his rich new collection of 10 highly personal songs exploring love, regret and mortality. The record contains many songs which are very personal reflections on his own life and thoughts.
Don McGlashan started the raw material for this new album at a bach on the Thames Estuary, before realising them in Neil Finn's writing room at Roundhead Studio, Auckland with guitarist Tom Rodwell. He produced them with former Mutton Birds bandmate David Long, (who also contributes some textural guitar, organ and banjo) and enlisted former Seven Sisters and current Phoenix Foundation drummer Chris O'Connor.
The release comes with the reveal of the playful, hand-animated video for the eponymous single Lucky Stars, released just last week.
Party with us and celebrate the Theatre Royal's post restoration 5th Anniversary with Nelson's favourite dance band!
Mojo Funk Orchestra is a nine-piece dance band specialising in the true funk styles of the '60s and '70s, with frontman Dan Kendrick channeling James Brown! Mojo Funk features Pete Rainey and Dave Bowater on brass; Clive Garlick, Rhys Clarke, Glenn Common and Richard Kendrick in the rhythm section; with Liz Kendrick and Katrina Smith adding vocals to energetic performances that have won the hearts (and feet) of audiences in the Top of the South.
Smokefree Rockquest is New Zealand's only nationwide, live, original music, youth event. Now in its 27th year, the series of over 40 events reaches audience numbers in excess of 10,000 every year.
Founded in 1989 by music teachers Glenn Common and Pete Rainey, Smokefree Rockquest has now become a New Zealand institution.
Smokefree Rockquest aims to motivate young musicians to prove their ability and realise the heights they can reach in their music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand music.
"Music of praise" is Chroma Chamber Choir's theme for this concert, which begins with Haydn's Te Deum Laudamus in C. Confident and joyful, the music reflects the sunny certainty of its composer's faith in this setting of the oldest Christian prayer. With Alan K Gray conducting, they are joined by Douglas Mews accompanying the choir on the Cathedral organ as well as performing solo organ works. Excerpts from JS Bach's Easter Oratorio will again feature organ accompaniment and local soloists. Exploiting the magic acoustic of the Cathedral, the choir will additionally present Josef Rheinberger's a cappella Mass in Eb, op.109 for double choir.
The annual SOUNDSTAGE variety concert is here again and this year you will join us on a trip down 42nd street, through Times Square and direct to Broadway! Celebrate with our performers as they recognise excellence for plays and musicals at the Phoney Awards.
See the best singers, dancers and actors and musicians from SOUNDSTAGE perform recent hit Broadway musical production numbers, just for you!
The students of Soundstage will transport you to "The Great White Way", and present performances from shows that have been nominated at the Tony Awards. These moments in musical time have inspired our young performers to tread the boards and ignited a desire to give their regards to Broadway!
Feet tapping, toe tapping and live at Nelson's historic Theatre Royal, the 27 Categories of the Tony awards will be emulated in 27 numbers presented at the Phoney awards.
Support these young students by coming to see their annual show, for some it is the first time they have set foot on stage and for others it is the end of a long journey in training for the professional world that awaits them.
See you at our glorious Theatre Royal in Nelson and be prepared to be transported to BROADWAY.
Banish those 'summer's gone' blues with this foot-tapping offering from the Nelson Civic Choir. Accompanied by talented local instrumentalists, the choir celebrates the hits from classic Broadway shows: Fiddler on the Roof, Gypsy, Lady be Good, Wizard of Oz, Whistle down the Wind, Spamalot, and plenty more... From 'Strike up the Band' all the way through to 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life', they guarantee to have you jigging in your seat and singing along.
The programme is conducted by the experienced musical director Chris Lukies. The Nelson Civic Choir is accompanied on the piano by Miyuki Jones, and by an invited group of instrumental players.
Items include: Fascinating Rhythm, Everything's Coming up Roses, I've got you under my Skin, On a Clear Day, Nella Fantasia and many more of your favourite melodies.
Scotlands legendary singer/songwriter Isla Grant returns to New Zealand for her "Farewell Concert Tour".
Isla is an internationally acclaimed recording artist, her beautiful voice combining country folk songs to easy listening, presenting an unforgettable evening.
Isla's spellbinding concert features her wonderful hit songs and takes a nostalgic look at her long and successful career.
Al Grant, Isla's genial and talented husband will join her on stage to bring his irrepressible humor to the show, also featuring his tribute to Jim Reeves.
Isla's farewell concert performance will be a 'Grand' international concert not be missed.
Evening Show now sold out, but Isla has added a special Nelson Matinee.
