Joanna MacGregor's Exotic Birds a highlight in Auckland

By Simon Holden, 29 March 2014

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Reviewed at Auckland Town Hall: Great Hall, Auckland on 27 March 2014

Respighi, The Birds

Ravel, Miroirs: Oiseaux tristes

Daquin, Le coucou

Gubaidulina, Musical Toys (The Little Tit)

Couperin, Pièces de clavecin, Ordre no.14: Le Rossignol-en-amour

Birtwistle, Oockooing Bird

Messiaen, Oiseaux exotiques, for orchestra

Beethoven, Symphony no. 6 in F major "Pastoral", Op.68

Auckland Philharmonia

John Nelson, Conductor

Joanna MacGregor, Piano

Opening the doors of memory: a haunting Bluebeard’s Castle in Auckland

Simon Holden, 13th March

In Daisy Evans’ conception, as Judith briefly reconnects with the joy and tragedy of her past, the effect is nothing short of devastating.

****1

Into the labyrinth: opera and community in The Monster in the Maze

Simon Holden, 19th September

Director Anapela Polata’ivao handles her mixed forces of amateurs and professionals with seamless assurance, the crowds’ movements across the stage showing both clarity and intent.

****1

Stunning direction elevates New Zealand Opera's La bohème

Simon Holden, 29th May

New Zealand Opera's new production impresses with its stunning set design and art direction, and its restrained emotional tone.

***11

Fine singing but messy staging: Le Comte Ory at New Zealand Opera

Simon Holden, 30th May

Director Simon Phillips takes the opportunity to reshape the setting of Rossini's comic opera to modern-day New Zealand.

***11

Disappointing Bach in Auckland

Simon Holden, 2nd May

David Fray's mannered Bach is a let-down, but Karl-Heinz Steffens brings out the spacious majesty in Bruckner's Ninth Symphony.

**111

Brandenburg Echoes in Auckland

Simon Holden, 18th April

With all soloists demonstrating charming ornamentation, a wonderful sense of fun and ease pervades the APO's performance.

****1

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Simon Holden

Simon is an operaphile based in Auckland, New Zealand. He wrote his dissertation on Japanese popular music. With a background in piano and classical music retail, he spends his time attending as much opera or vocal concert as he can and blogs at irishenceaway.blogspot.com.