On Friday 24th October, 6.30pm at the Michael Fowler Centre, The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will present a spectacular season finale, with Music Director Pietari Inkinen and Bass-Baritone Teddy Tahu Rhodes.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is delighted to be providing a coach to this concert from the Wairarapa, and it’s hoped the coach will prove popular enough to become a regular service for all NZSO Friday night concerts.

Conducting the Orchestra will be NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen. The 2008 opening concert tour played to packed houses, thrilling audiences and critics alike. “Inkinen, master of the grand gesture, breathes new power, energy, musicality and virtuousity from our Orchestra – Bravo!” Otago Daily Times, April ‘08

Teddy Tahu Rhodes needs no introduction to New Zealand audiences. He has rapidly established a name as an important rising star of the operatic world, with appearances in San Francisco, Houston, Dallas, Washington, Munich, Hamburg, the Chatelet, Paris, Welsh National Opera and Scottish Opera to his credit. Future engagements include Count Almaviva in Cincinnati, Don Giovanni for Opera Australia, Henze’s L’Upupa for Hamburg Opera, Lescaut in Leipzig, Billy Budd in both Santa Fe and Sydney, and his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Peter Grimes.

Arias being performed in this programme include The Catalogue Aria from Don Giovanni and Bizet’s Toreador Song from Carmen. The concert will get off to a rousing start with one of Verdi’s best-known overtures La Forza del Destino and the Orchestra will also perform some of Richard Strauss’ most sumptuous music – Don Juan and Till Eulenspiegel.

Operated by Tranzit Coachlines (Wai) Ltd, the Wairarapa Concert Coach will depart from Tranzit depot on Queen Street Masterton at 3.45pm, making designated stops in Carterton, Greytown and Featherston.  Call NZSO Client Services 0800 479 674 or Tranzit Coachlines (Wai) Ltd 0800 872 68687 for bookings and further information. www.nzso.co.nz