Auckland Arts Festival announces new show due to popular demand - Raiders of the Lost Ark: Film with Live Orchestra
Written by
Media release
Auckland Arts Festival has announced a new performance of the smash-hit Raiders of the Lost Ark: Film With Live Orchestra due to overwhelming demand for the original, one-off performance.
The film that gave the world one of its greatest movie heroes, Indiana Jones, will be experienced as never before in this country. In the 35th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark, audiences will relive Indiana Jones’ unforgettable odyssey. However, in this Auckland Arts Festival exclusive, the classic soundtrack will be performed live by Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) conducted by Marc Taddei.
In recent international seasons, including London and Melbourne, this epic event, with music composed by the legendary John Williams, struck a chord with both film and music lovers. In Auckland, audiences are relishing the opportunity to relive the magic of the classic film with a live orchestra, in the surrounds of the majestic Civic Theatre.
The year is 1936 and professor of archaeology and “obtainer of rare antiquities” Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is tasked by U.S. Army Intelligence to recover the legendary Ark of the Covenant before it falls into the hands of the Nazis.
Jones’ quest takes him to Nepal and Egypt, reuniting him with an old friend (John Rhys-Davies), an old foe (Paul Freeman) and an ex-flame (Karen Allen), who falls somewhere in-between. He traverses the world, from the mountains of Nepal to the sands of Egypt, surviving snakes, double-crossers, booby traps and beautiful women at every turn. Armed with his hat, whip and cunning wit, the intrepid hero must face formidable enemies – and impossible odds – to save the day and the world.
The film was nominated for nine Academy Awards and is still one of the most loved films ever made.
According to Auckland Arts Festival Artistic Director, Carla van Zon, the Festival organisers expected the fun show to be a hit but never quite knew how popular it would be. “What we love about what we’re seeing is that this show is bringing together film lovers, who may not usually attend orchestra performances, with classical music die-hards who will get to experience the APO in a vastly different situation than usual.
“Seeing the blockbuster classic in The Civic would already be a treat, but seeing how much the music contributes to the drama – with its boulder escapes and truck chases – and seeing that drama play out accompanied by extraordinarily talented musicians, live, will be a truly memorable experience – the kind of show that arts festivals are all about.”
Raiders of the Lost Ark is the ultimate adventure movie to which everyone knows the famous tune.
However, not everyone has heard the legendary soundtrack played live by some of the country’s finest musicians. Now, for two performances in March 2017, they can.
Tickets for the second and only remaining performance of Raiders of the Lost Ark: Film With Live Orchestra, which takes place at 2pm on Sunday 19 March at The Civic, go on sale at 9am Wednesday 8 February.
ENDS
The most iconic piece of music, generally played during scenes where Indiana Jones is escaping from something, received a resounding cheer from the crowd…While Williams composes his scores in service of the film, these beautiful and powerful pieces of music stand alone as music... More than simply a film, Raiders of the Lost Ark…is an experience – one that stays with you long after the music stops. – theaureview.com
Letting the score belt out and fill the entire hall with the unique sense of adventure and wonder that only he can, we were all of us sent back to our comparatively unadventurous lives humming those immortal notes. – cultbox.co.uk
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
TICKETS
Premium $75 | A Res $65 | A Res Conc $59 | B Res $49 | B Res Conc $45 | C Res $39 | D Res $35
WHEN
7.00pm Saturday 18 March
2.00pm Sunday 19 March
WHERE
The Civic, cnr Wellesley and Queen Sts
BOOKINGS
Ticketmaster.co.nz | 09 951 2501
DURATION
2 hours no interval
IMPORTANT INFO
PG recommended. Contains violence.
©1981 LucasFilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
MORE INFO
FOLLOW
@aklfestival
#aklfest
ABOUT THE AAF
Taking place annually in March, the Auckland Arts Festival is a globally recognised event that celebrates people and culture, and showcases the unrivalled location, cultural diversity and vibrant energy of New Zealand’s largest city.
Over 1.6 million people have attended the Festivals to date.
Auckland Arts Festival is governed by the Auckland Festival Trust. Trustees are John Judge (Chair), Rick Carlyon, Evan Davies, Sarah Judkins, Tarun Kanji, Margaret Kāwharu MNZM, Jim Moser, Ben Taufua and Fred Ward.
The Executive Team comprises Chief Executive David Inns and Artistic Director, Carla van Zon.
The Trust receives core funding from Auckland Council through the Auckland Regional Amenities Funding Act, and Creative New Zealand through the Toi Tōtara Haemata programme. Significant support for AAF 2017 is received from Foundation North, Pub Charity, NZ Community Trust and The Lion Foundation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Siobhan Waterhouse | Media and PR Manager | P: +64 22 126 4149