Auckland is a diverse city and that is reflected by the Auckland Sinfonietta through its conductor, soloists, players and repertoire.
Conductor Dr Jucheol Wang hails originally from Korea, where he founded the Seoul Uniss Chamber Orchestra. He’s also a well-known as a double bass player, and the author of the first and so-far only book on the double bass in Korea.
Conductor Dr Jucheol Wang Photo: Supplied
He’s leading the Auckland Sinfonietta this evening in Takapuna for a performance called “Haydn and London”, including the Surprise Symphony, the Trumpet Concerto, and arias by Haydn and Mozart.
Dr Wang started the Sinfonietta two years ago. It was about providing opportunities not only to local community musicians but also international. “My goal [is to] exchange musicians from overseas and take good Kiwi musicians overseas,” he says.
There’s a melding of cultures at this orchestra. Dr Wang has discovered there are many fine musicians in Korea who want to come to perform in Auckland, so he has been busy arranging for that to happen.
He also draws on the experience of local talent, such as soprano Christina McDonald.
Tonight will be the first time she’s performed with a “full, proper orchestra” and is thrilled to be able to perform one of her favourite composers – Mozart.
Dr Wang says he was particularly inspired by Haydn. “He’s the father of symphonies and important composer for string quartets,” he says.
The Auckland Sinfonietta performs “Haydn and London” this evening at the Tindall Auditorium at Rosmini College from 7.30pm.
