David Farquhar - Moonshine Suite (2002)
The Moonshine Suite was completed it in 2002. The composer had felt disappointed that the various suites based on his incidental music for the Jean Anouilh/Christopher Fry play Ring Round the Moon had eclipsed his more serious writing in popularity. Nevertheless, he eventually came to feel that he should write something in a similarly popular vein. The result was the Moonshine Suite. (The similarity to the dances in Ring Round the Moon will be obvious).
The suite is in six movements:
Medley
Serenade
Rhumba
Waltz
Why not
Finale
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
We know Opus Orchestra is a treasure - but how do we cherish it and keep it alive? In this short video, hear our players describe how you can help!
An interview with Music Director Peter Walls and Concert Master Lara Hall, as well as flautist Anita Macdonald about what makes Opus Orchestra so special. A shared passion for classical music and performing it with professionalism, integrity and honesty are what drives our musicians.
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown). Composer Philip Norman has set poems and stories by Margaret Mahy to music.
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown). Composer Philip Norman has set poems and stories by Margaret Mahy to music.
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
The cat is about to eat the mouse, but then… Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown). Composer Philip Norman has set poems and stories by Margaret Mahy to music. Mahy's trademark wry humour and playfulness is perfectly captured by Norman's musical settings. There is so much gorgeous humour in this music as it access a range of styles - cabaret, film noir, jazz…
Excerpt from Opus Orchestra's Mahy Magic programme (filmed in March 2021 in an empty hall due to Covid-lockdown).
Opus Orchestra musicians talk about why the orchestra matters to them and what makes it so special.
An interview with Music Director Peter Walls about "Why Opus Orchestra Matters" and is important to our region. With huge thanks to Vinnie Manoit at Liquid Pictures for our 🎥 and lowercase g for our beautiful 30th Anniversary logo!
A short promo video for our Boosted Campaign to raise funds for our Kids&Kognoscenti concerts in 2022.
A live video of Opus Orchestra performing Made in Aotearoa on Friday 7 October 2022 in the Concert Chamber, Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Hamilton, NZ. Featuring trombone soloist David Bremner, conducted by Peter Walls. Also featuring Te Reiroa Sellars on Pūkāea.