New Zealand’s national orchestra will record the soundtrack for Sir Peter Jackson’s second Hobbit film, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Director Peter Jackson said he was delighted to have secured the services of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

"The very first music ever recorded for Howard Shore's magnificent score for The Lord of the Rings was done here, in Wellington, back in 2001 in the Town Hall. The piece, written for the Fellowship's journey into the Mines of Moria, was beautifully performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and showcased the exceptional acoustics of this over hundred-year-old building.”

“We feel very lucky and excited to be able to work with the extraordinary talents of the NZSO in this world class auditorium as Howard Shore once again journey's into Middle-earth."

Canadian born Howard Shore, whose music for the Lord of the Rings trilogy won three Academy Awards and four Grammy awards, will once again compose the score for the film. The album of the music from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey made the top ten charts in the United States.

NZSO Chief Executive Christopher Blake says the NZSO is looking forward to working on the film.

“It’s wonderful to have our national orchestra involved in this iconic New Zealand film. It means our music will be enjoyed by literally millions of people worldwide, and it is further recognition of our world-class standards of performance, and of New Zealand’s international standing in the film industry.”

Mr Blake said the NZSO had considerable experience and skills in recording film soundtracks.

“Recording film soundtracks requires particular focus and efficiency – our musicians have to play to the highest levels and often under significant time pressures.  It’s a demanding process to be part of and we know our players will do a fantastic job.”

CEO of Positively Wellington Venues Glenys Coughlan says it’s an amazing way to punctuate the temporary closure of the Town Hall for seismic strengthening works.

"This is a brilliant achievement for Wellington and it has been challenging for us to stay "mum" on this while we negotiated all the arrangements. The benefits of this go well beyond the use of the Town Hall and I think we are fortunate to have such a strong advocate for Wellington in Peter Jackson"

Recording is likely to take place in September 2013.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is due for release in December 2013.

From Academy Award -winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the second film in an epic Trilogy adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.  The three films tell a continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, which Jackson and his filmmaking team brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the Oscar -winning The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. 

Jackson directed The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug from a screenplay by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson.  Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh.  The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens also serving as co-producer.

All three films in The Hobbit Trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production.  Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

Media Release: NZSO