Stained glass adorns high-rise

Press, 20 November 1987, Page 19

Stained glass adorns high-rise

High-rises need not be artistically sterile, as "Kaleidoscope” reveals tonight (9.30 on One) when it focuses on two storeys of stained glass in one of Wellington’s newest structures, in the new Unisys building on The Terrace. Made up of 402 panels, the work is one of the largest stained glass commissions in the country. The Christchurch artist Philip Trusttum designed the artwork, known as “Northern Lights," while

the artisans Ben Hanley and Suzanne Johnson, also of Christchurch, worked on the imported glass from December last year until early July when it was freighted to Wellington. All three were closely involved on-site for the final part of the project a few weeks ago. In “Kaleidoscope’s" second feature tonight one of a group of prominent New Zealand composers, Edwin Carr, comes under the spotlight, Carr is one of the coun-

try’s most recorded composers (along with Douglas Lilburn) and "Kaleidoscope” captures him at Work in Wellington this year recording his second symphony, “The Exile," with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. "The Exile" is about the alienation of immigrants in New Zealand, particularly Jewish Immigrants, with whom Carr had a strong affinity while he was growing Up in Dunedin. Although his roots lie In the classical, Edwin Carr

takes on modern techniques, using them in a very romantic and accessible form which appeals to a wide audience.

He also has a passion for conducting. “There’s a part of me that just wants to scream with delight, it’s such a wonderful experience." While this is the last "Kaleidoscope” for the year, this 9.30 p.m, slot remains With the arts. Starting next week is a four-part series, "Inspiration” described as “Directors’ Essays on Great New Zealand Artists.”