Organ Spectacular

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra challenged six local composers to compose a work for organ and orchestra.  On Thursday we shall hear the result presented by the APO and the Auckland Town Hall Organ.
This amazing event is the culmination of two years of work by six composers with six organists, writing stunning new works for organ and orchestra.
You will hear the composers share their experience of the process.   Most composers have never written for the organ before, so, with few preconceptions, the organ has been called on to produce effects that range from thunder to tinkling bells – with a variety of real organ sounds in between.
The composers have been excited by the challenge they’ve been set.  One composer’s concept is a mini concerto for organ, drum kit and orchestra, another’s is a musical depiction of Bible passages.  One of these pieces features the two new Māori organ stops created during the organ’s renovation in 2010.
Overall, the ideas are fresh and inventive, and there’s no doubt, that these six new works for Organ and Orchestra will provide some exciting aural experiences.
This is a unique opportunity to hear six premiere performances in one evening!

The pairings (composer first) and the pieces are: 

They have worked under the watchful eye of APO Composer in Residence Jack Body.

The resulting six works are being premiered at a concert in the Town Hall
on Thursday, 23 May 2013 at 8:00pm.