Diana Weir, Chief Executive of Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Photo: DANIEL BANKO
Less than a month ago Diana Weir was enjoying the final days of a Canadian summer, maybe looking forward to the leaves changing colour. Now she's in Tāmaki Makaurau, surrounded by the green shoots of spring.
Diana, who grew up (and cut her teeth in arts administration) in Hamilton, Ontario, is the new Chief Executive of the Auckland Philharmonia, taking over from Barbara Glaser who held the position for 17 years.
Her arrival coincides with the launch of the Orchestra's 2024 season, one that Diana's extremely proud of even if all the planning happened before she took up the post.
"I get the privilege of stepping into this organisation and applauding the 36 staff who have put this programme together. I am just here to help share it with the world."
Highlights include classical music stars violinist Maxim Vengerov, trumpeter Tine Thing Helseth and conductor Sir Andrew Davis. Music director Giordano Bellincampi continues his love affair with Beethoven and Brahms, conductor Okko Kamu has an all-Sibelius programme, while Johannes Fritzsch will conduct the Auckland (and probably New Zealand) premiere of Bruckner's 9th Symphony.
Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Photo: Adrian Malloch
There are also gigs with Kiwi hip-hop giant Che Fu and a trip to the cinema to play Tan Dun's film score for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, live with the movie.
Mixing things up is important for Diana. An orchestra can't afford to be a museum – it's "a living breathing entity".
"That doesn't mean we can't play music that's 300 years old, but it might mean we have to ask ourselves how we think about the work we do in relation to the people we serve".
Diana was training to be a pianist in her home town, Hamilton, when she discovered there was a potential career called arts administration.
"I had no idea that you could work in the arts but not be on stage, and it was a bit of a lightbulb moment to realise that, oh my goodness, I could have a career where I get to be around great art, and help put cool things on stage to make people happy. That was a no-brainer for me."
She spent the best part of a decade in charge of Hamilton's symphony orchestra, where she met the maestro who would encourage her to apply for the Auckland job, New Zealander Gemma New.
Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Gemma sang the praises of Auckland and its music scene.
"She had wonderful things to say about the [APO], and part of one of the things that inspired me to throw my hat in the ring here. Because as you know, making a move 13,000 kilometres away from your home is not something to be taken lightly and I can tell you in my almost three weeks that I have been here, that I feel like it's been a pretty right decision."
That's despite Diana having to cope with a complete inversion of the seasons which is "just throwing me through a loop".
She's not sure if she'll ever get used to that.
Don't worry Diana, before you know it, you'll be loving the pohutukawa flowers just as much as the next local.
