A Night at the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra - the Rite of Spring in Wellington

Last Friday I was lucky enough to go with an old work friend to the NZSO and I thought I would write about my experience. I am not a very big orchestra person. I used to love music a few years back, but that was more in the San Fran mosh pit sense. But when I was offered some tickets to the NZSO I jumped at the chance.We went and saw 'The Rite of Spring' The number is actually is a ballet and orchestral concert work by the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. As the Orchestra warm up, it always leaves a tingling feeling over my skin. Does anyone else feel like that?

The concert went for and hour and three quarters, which is you are a normal person is a good amount of time to enjoy, without getting overwhelmed by the length.

What you don't realise is how much of the music you already know when you go to something like this. These pieces have been used in so many movies and cartoons it is likely something will sound familiar to you, whether you know what it is or not. For me, the highlight was 'The Lark Ascending'. I didn't know, but I looked it up later and 'the Lark Ascending' is actually a poem first. 

The poem inspired the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams to write a musical work of the same name, which is now more widely known than the poem. It was originally composed in 1914 for violin and piano.  

I think going to the NZSO is something you may want to consider doing if you haven't done something different in a while. Nothing can really beat feeling glamorous like a night at the Orchestra. The Michael Fowler Center is a fantastic venue - the acoustics are amazing.  While 'The Rite of Spring' might be over in Wellington for now, you can book tickets for the upcoming 'Handels Messiah' to get you feeling all Chirstmassy!! At 2 hours 10 minutes it is a bit longer, but should be worth it. Coming up on 12 December in Wellington at 6:30pm.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra are doing a 'Pay your age' deal. This is great if like me you are curious, but don't have the money to commit to a big night. Its not just for your parents and grandparents, or music students! Enjoy the NZSO and support a Wellington icon!