Bach Musica NZ is one of New Zealand’s most highly acclaimed musical organizations. They aim to touch lives through music, and to keep classical music relevant, exciting and accessible for everyone. BMNZ is made up of a professional orchestra and a semi-professional choir performing at the highest level, led by internationally acclaimed conductor Rita Paczian. They perform four concerts annually in Auckland Town Hall, each of which encompasses a thoughtfully curated mix of orchestral and choral works to ensure that there is something for everyone. Additionally, their engaging and popular musical education workshops on sight-reading, singing and conducting are open to all.
Bach Musica NZ is an established and vital part of New Zealand's social and cultural fabric. Their Vision,“music that touches the soul”, is at the core of their work and informs all that they do. Music, and access to music, can be powerful and life changing – it provides opportunities and inspiration for emerging and established performers, brings people together, and creates a strong sense of community pride to be part of something beautiful. BMNZ performances illustrate the cultural vibrancy of New Zealand, showcasing music from New Zealand and all over the world, presenting world premieres and well-loved favourites, contemporary and past works, complex arrangements and simple melodies. The musicians come from a range of backgrounds, reflecting the diversity and strength of New Zealand society, and how music can bring together people from many different heritages in the creation of something powerful and new.
In touching the souls of many, Bach Musica NZ hopes to shape a better future through the universal language of music.
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Conductor | Rita Paczian |
Rehearsal night / venue | Tuesday Evening at 7.30pm Somervell Church, Remuera |
Choir Contact | Gayle Askew 09 309 2224 admin@bachmusica.com |
Website | www.bachmusica.com |
Bach Musica NZ presents Durufle Requiem, Tolnay Symphony 2019 (world premiere) and Piazzolla Adios Nonino & Escolaso
Durufle Requiem
Tolnay Symphony 2019 (world premiere)
Piazzolla Adios Nonino & Escolaso
Rita Paczian conductor
Stephanie Poole Accordion
Elisha Hulton Mezzo Soprano
Robert Tucker Baritone
Both pieces by tango Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla feature solo accordion and orchestra. Adiós Nonino (Farewell, father) was written in 1959 in memory of his father, Vicente “Nonino”. Piazzolla’s tango Escolaso is equally famous.
We are proud to present the world premiere of Symphony 2019 by Hungarian-NZ composer Gabor Tolnay. Gabor is a jazz pianist and composer based in Nelson. His Symphony 2019 was inspired by his late wife Judit.
Durufle’s moving Requiem, published in 1948, is the main piece in this concert. It features two vocal soloists, chorus and a big symphony orchestra. The piece is regarded as one of the outstanding choral works of the 20th century.
Conductor: Rita Paczian Website: https://bachmusica.com/ Ticket prices: $15 - $70Bach Musica NZ presents Best of Bach with Bach’s Magnificat, Violin Concerto in E Major, Flute Concerto in e minor BWV 1059/35 (NZ premiere), Jauchzet, frohlocket from Christmas Oratorio.
Rita Paczian conductor
Yanghe Yu Violin
Luca Manghi Flute
Elizabeth Mandeno Soprano
Wendy Dawn Thompson Alto
Iain Tetley Tenor
James Harrison Baritone
Best of Bach concert commences with the NZ premiere of the composer’s Flute Concerto in e minor, played by internationally acclaimed Italian flutist Luca Manghi.
Choir and full orchestra assemble next to perform Bach’s most famous Christmas chorus Jauchzet, frohlocket, the opening music of his Christmas Oratorio.
Bach Musica NZ’s concertmaster, Yanghe Yu, features as soloist in Bach’s Violin Concerto in E Major.
In the second half, Bach Musica NZ presents the composer’s famous Magnificat, scored for four vocal soloists, 5-part chorus and large Baroque orchestra, including three majestic trumpets. The ultimate Christmas music!
“It is conceivable, that when Bach premiered his immortal work in Leipzig almost 300 years ago, that the quality of his concert would have been eclipsed last Sunday by that of Bach Musica NZ‘s rendition - and this in remote New Zealand!”
Rainer W. Buhmann, review of Bach Musica NZ’s St Matthew Passion performance in April 2021.
Conductor: Rita Paczian Website: https://bachmusica.com/ Ticket prices: $15 - $70