APO 2015 Summer Matinee

Good afternoon.

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to Government House today and share what promises to be a wonderful musical event.

I want to acknowledge APO Patrons Dame Catherine Tizard, Sir James Wallace and Dame Roseanne Meo; Martin Geraint, Chair of the APO Board; and Barbara Glaser, CEO of the APO.

And of course welcome to the members of the APO, conductor Andrew Sewell and Anna Leese. I hope you all enjoy the experience of performing in this outdoor setting as much as your audience will enjoy listening to you.

This matinee concert is now something of a tradition for at Government House.  Unfortunately, my husband can’t be here and sends his apologies.  If his schedule had allowed him to be here, I know he would have enjoyed the concert very much.

At Government House we are privileged to host a lot of different functions, including investitures, diplomatic functions and a whole raft of community events.  However, there’s something special about musical events, and sharing them with others.

Jerry and I like to acknowledge, celebrate and share New Zealand’s culture and New Zealand artists.  So it’s a privilege to support the APO and an opera talent like Anna.

I am looking forward to today’s programme.  It looks like a great choice for this venue, with our backdrop of an extinct volcano and the lush gardens of Government House. 

We are going to be treated to some Latin rhythms and moody tangos this afternoon. For anyone who feels inspired to get onto their feet and show us how Latin dancing is done there’s enough clear space to do so!

Finally, thank you all for coming and I hope you have a great afternoon.  Have fun, and enjoy the music and our wonderful grounds.