The Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust and Auckland Live are delighted to announce the return of the free Sunday Town Hall Organ Concert Series at 2 pm Sunday 22 April, when internationally acclaimed Australian organist Christopher Wrench performs a selection of classical and contemporary works for music lovers of all ages.
Also confirmed in the 2018 concert line-up is organist and Director of Music at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Michael Stewart, on Sunday 10 June; young multi award-winning New Zealander Thomas Gaynor on Sunday 19 August; and sizzling Spanish instrumentalist Raúl Prieto Ramirez on Sunday 28 October.
The Auckland Town Hall Organ is regarded as one of the world’s best concert hall instruments, and the free concerts provide a unique opportunity for Aucklanders to experience and enjoy the heritage-protected taonga.
Auckland Live director, Robbie Macrae, says the organisation is proud to partner with the Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust to bring the series to the iconic venue.
He says it’s a perfect fit for the Town Hall and the 108-year-old organ, which was completely rebuilt and refurbished in 2010 and is New Zealand’s largest concert organ.
Comprised of 5291 pipes ranging in length from 1 cm to 10 metres, the Town Hall Organ is made of many materials including kauri, scientific glass, lead and tin.
Uniquely, it includes the sounds of two traditional Māori instruments – the kōauau (flute) and pūkāea (horn), and Māori designs decorate the 12 largest pipes of each rank.
For more information on the Auckland Town Hall Organ visit www.aucklandorgan.org.nz
For the full Sunday Town Hall Organ Concert Series 2018 programme visit www.aucklandlive.co.nz
