Noteworthy — celebrating 150 years of the University of Canterbury

This concert celebrates the rich relationship between the University of Canterbury and the wider Christchurch community, and in particular our relationship with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. You’ll hear music that evokes our unique cityscape in sound, favourite songs from our shared journey as a city, and new pieces which showcase composers and performers working in our midst in the university community.

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John Ritchie’s "Papanui Rd Overture" is one of the most iconic sonic portrayals of Christchurch’s city life. Ritchie—Head of Music at UC from 1961 to 1981—fondly recalls his connection to the area, saying, "Having lived near Papanui Road for most of my life; having cycled, driven and walked on it; having shopped, eaten and prayed in or on it, I feel at home there. As young people say, it has 'vibes' for me. It certainly has memories." The sights, sounds, and atmosphere of one of Christchurch’s best-known streets come alive in the orchestral portrayal. This work was premiered by the CSO in 1988. Soul and pop singer, LA Mitchell, one of Christchurch’s real treasures (and also a tutor in songwriting and contemporary voice at UC), will perform four of her best-known songs featuring arrangements by UC alumnus, Alex van den Broek.

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Rakuto Kurano’s "Concerto Grosso" and Reuben de Lautour’s & Mahina-Ina Kingi-Kaui's "Te Reo Ki Ōtakaro", both draw on the past and look to the future. Kurano, a recent Masters graduate from UC, blends the sound-world of the Italian baroque with contemporary aesthetic, producing a dazzling fusion of old and new. "Te Reo Ki Ōtakaro" portrays a series of snapshots from significant moments in the history, the present, and the future of Christchurch, with texts drawn from the work of writers connected to each moment, and bringing together vocal soloists from the world of jazz, opera, and Māori performing arts. And looking towards the future of music in a multi-cultural, future-facing Christchurch, Justin DeHart will premiere a new percussion work by Gareth Farr, combining orchestral percussion, Balinese gamelan, and electronics.

Conducted by UC Music’s Head of Performance, Professor Mark Menzies, join us for an evening exploring the past, present, and future of music in Christchurch.

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