Vector Wellington Orchestra

Alick Shaw, Chairman of the Vector Wellington Orchestra and General Manager Diana Marsh; Music Director Marc Taddei and members of the orchestra; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen: Greetings—Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and in New Zealand Sign Language (good evening).

Thank you for the invitation to say a few words.  I wish to state at the outset, how much my wife Susan and I enjoyed this evening’s concert. We have been treated to delightful array of music from Rossini’s Barber of Seville Overture to the great Romantic work of Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor to the 20th Century work of Stravinsky’s Jeu de Cartes.

Particular congratulations are due to Michael Houstoun on his outstanding performance this evening in the piano concerto.   It is yet another example of his status as a pianist of national and international standing.

The Orchestra is also rightly due congratulations on several fronts.  The first is the quality of the performance and the guidance under music director and conductor Marc Taddei.   It is that consistent high quality that attracts soloists of Michael Houstoun’s calibre to join forces with the Orchestra.

The second is the quality of the programme.  The music on display this evening tested both the Orchestra and our soloist and they met those challenges with accomplished skill.  The variety within the programme delighted our audience, giving an insight into a range of music that spans more than century.

These qualities combine to create an Orchestra whose credentials rest on the quality of its performances and repertoire and  its support here where it plays a pivotal role in the cultural life of the Capital. 

That community support can also be seen in the longstanding relationship between Government House and the Orchestra that has seen a series of successful summer concerts held in the grounds over the years.   While those concerts have been moved elsewhere as the Conservation Project progresses, Susan and I look forward to the relationship being renewed once the work is completed next year.
Congratulations and thank you for hosting us to this evening performance.  

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.