C.S.O. music goes popular

Press, 25 February 1987, Page 20

C.S.O. music goes popular

The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will branch out this year into popular music. The first such concert, titled “By George—-it’s Gershwin,” will be held in the Christchurch Town Hall on March 7. As the title suggests, the concert will be comprised entirely of music by George Gershwin, who died 50 years ago.

William Southgate will conduct the concert. The programme will include “Strike Up the Band,” “Rhapsody in Blue” (with pianist lola Shelley) and a symphonic suite from the negro folk opera “Porgy and Bess.” Because much of Gershwin’s work was for

Broadway shows, the lyrics are as important as the music. Jazz singer Malcolm McNeill will be featured in the concert, usually with a full orchestral accompaniment but sometimes backed by sax- ’ ’ ophonist Stu Buchanan and the Dave Fraser Trio. The orchestra’s general manager, Earle Rowell, 1 says it looks as if the 8 C.S.O. will have more per- ■ forming commitments this year than ever before. Including performances with several choirs, the ® Canterbury Regional Opera Trust, the Academy Trust and the Civic Music Council, the C.S.O. will s face, on average, one new programme every fort- W night