On Saturday, 29th March, the Nelson Symphony Orchestra captivated a full house at the Nelson Centre for Musical Arts with their concert, "American Soundscapes - The Beauty and Spirit of America Through Music." Conducted by the renowned Beth Cohen from Christchurch, the programme spanned over 90 minutes, celebrating American composers and themes.

Showcasing a Century of American Music

The concert highlighted an impressive variety of music, from Dvořák's New World Symphony to works by Aaron Copland, film scores, modern minimalist compositions, and lively jazz numbers. The brass sections in the jazz pieces were particularly remarkable, requiring additional musicians from the NZ School of Music in Wellington to faithfully deliver the composers' intended impact.

Originair’s Vital Support

As a regional orchestra operating on a limited budget, the support of local businesses is crucial to making events like this possible. Originair was proud to contribute by providing discounted airfares, enabling the orchestra to bring in the musicians needed for this exceptional programme. Chairperson David North commented, "Without Originair’s support, this memorable event simply wouldn’t have been achievable."

A Unique Role for Captain David North

David North, Chair of the Nelson Symphony Orchestra committee and a Captain for Originair, played a pivotal role throughout the weekend. In addition to helping organise the concert and performing in it, he had the honour of flying many of the guest musicians back to Wellington the following day. 

A Bright Future Together

Originair is thrilled to continue fostering a strong partnership with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra, working together to enrich the cultural landscape of the region. We look forward to future collaborations that bring more inspiring performances to our community.