Manukau Symphony Orchestra's "Eroica" concerts on 6 and 7 December at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre are inspired by Beethoven's 3rd Symphony, 'Eroica'. This Symphony was originally named "Bonaparte", but upon hearing that Napoleon had proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven changed the title to read: "Heroic Symphony, composed to celebrate the memory of a great man".

This grand music will be in noble company - that of Auckland's own mezzo-soprano Helen Medlyn. Manukau Symphony Orchestra's "Eroica" concerts on 6 and 7 December at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre are inspired by Beethoven's 3rd Symphony, 'Eroica'. This Symphony was originally named "Bonaparte", but upon hearing that Napoleon had proclaimed himself emperor, Beethoven changed the title to read: "Heroic Symphony, composed to celebrate the memory of a great man".

This grand music will be in noble company - that of Auckland's own mezzo-soprano Helen Medlyn.Helen will sing Mahler's Ruckert Lieder, masterfully orchestrated to express the meaning of five poems - written by Ruckert - about life, love, and death. Helen Medlyn, an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate, is well known for her roles in operas, oratorios, vocal symphonic works and musicals, and performs both locally and internationally. Reviewers have acclaimed Helen's performances of Mahler songs.

William Dart, NZ Herald, wrote, "Helen Medlyn sang the "Urlicht" setting with her inimitable feeling for the composer". Rod Biss of MetroLive wrote, "Helen Medlyn...the mezzo who Gustav Mahler would have written symphonies for if she'd been alive at the time..."

"The players in the Manukau Symphony Orchestra are really looking forward to working with Helen and performing these great works - it will be an experience that will inspire them for a long time," says Manukau Symphony's music director and conductor for these concerts Uwe Grodd. "This is also the last chance to hear Manukau Symphony for 2008. Our concerts are renowned for their friendly, welcoming atmosphere and spirited music-making, so if you haven't been to hear us yet - come and be inspired!"

Two performances of "Eroica" take place at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, on Saturday 6 December at 7.30pm and Sunday 7 December at 2.30pm. Tickets cost from $15 to $38. Booking is recommended. Phone Mrs Terry Spragg on 09 445 1863 or email manukausymphony@xtra.co.nz and she'll be very happy to assist you.

Additional details:
Tickets: A reserve $38, B reserve $25, Students $15
Booking enquiries to the MSO: phone 09 445 1863 or e-mail manukausymphony@xtra.co.nz
Tickets also available from TicketDirect: www.ticketdirect.co.nz or phone TelstraClear Pacific 09 976 7777 (booking fees may apply).
Door sales from 5.30pm on Saturday 6 December and from 12.30 on Sunday 7 December (unless sold out).

Manukau Symphony Orchestra gratefully acknowledges the support of Manukau City Council, ASB Community Trust, TelstraClear Pacific, the Lion Foundation and The Southern Trust.

01/12/08