APO Summer Matinee

I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language.   Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)

I specifically greet you: Your Worship Len Brown, Mayor of Auckland, and your wife Shan; Rosanne Meo and Barbara Glaser, Chair and Chief Executive respectively of the Auckland Philharmonia; Conductor Brett Kelly and members of the Orchestra; soloist Ben Makisi; Master of Ceremonies, Paul Holmes; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.  Welcome to the Auckland Philarmonia’s 28th Summer Matinee.

It is a pleasure for Susan and I to receive the APO and supporters here at Government House Auckland.   As our time in the Governor-General role concludes in just over six months from now, this will be the last opportunity for us to have this privilege. 

In our time over the last four and a half years it has been a delight to host a number of APO events here and to gain a keener insight into the Orchestra’s work, especially because as full time Aucklanders in times past, we had been pleased to be ordinary foot soldier APO patrons like yourselves.

In August last year we hosted the APO Young Achievers Recital and six months before was the 27th Summer Matinee to inaugurate what has been a highly successful 30th anniversary year.

The APO is one of the Auckland region’s finer cultural assets.  It continues to stage concerts that vary from the traditional to the contemporary and which reach out to a diverse range of audiences. 

A good example has been its concert of Richard Strauss’ opera Elektra, named best classical concert in Metro’s Best of Auckland 2010.

The 2011 series includes a wide variety of music, from Bach, Mahler and Sibelius, through to new works from New Zealand composers John Psathas and Ross Harris as well featuring a number of New Zealand instrumental and vocal soloists.  With APO concerts occurring in a number of parts of the region as well as having events for families and children and education programmes, the reputation for innovation, excellence and engagement has been truly earned.

It seems fitting that the long running summer matinee of this calibre should happen in this beautiful setting.  Like the APO, Government House Auckland can also be regarded as an icon of this city, with a history stretching back more than a century.  Some of the trees here date back to the 1870s.  Behind and around us are the magnificent Pohutakawa whilst over my right shoulder is the silvery blue Atlas cedar and behind it the strikingly tall Tulip tree. We also have, of course, the backdrop of Mt Eden with the large number of whau trees, hence the Maori name of Mt Eden being Maungawhau.

I trust you will all enjoy the ambience of the gardens here at Government House as you relax with your picnic and enjoy the music on offer.  I am confident that we will all soon be within, if I may slightly paraphrase the title of one of the pieces to be played, Some Enchanted Afternoon!

And on that note of congratulation, welcome and anticipation, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Māori, offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours.  No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.