Stringing along for a decade

Months of preparation and a packed week of final touches has resulted in a spectacular decade celebration concert for the Marlborough Civic Orchestra.

The region’s 40-member community orchestra, alongside some fellow musical friends from local groups, marked its 10th anniversary with two phenomenal performances of its gala concert deCadenza at ASB Theatre Blenheim on August 23 and 24.

The orchestra continues to foster musical talent across Marlborough, with the weekend’s shows offering the world premiere of a new piece by Blenheim-born composer and conductor Kodi Rasmussen.

Founding member Linda Lloyd called the two shows, “a great success celebrating 10 years of the orchestra”.

“For a large programme, it came together so well, and we really enjoyed performing what was a well appreciated show.

“The size and quality have improved dramatically since we started which is the main idea in providing lots of training time effort and resources.

“It’s important for us to develop individual players technically and as a group, so hearing people commenting it was the best show we’d put on is fantastic.”

The gala also brought international pianist Michael Tsalka to perform Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto, alongside rising NZ cellist Caitlin Morris, violinist Cathy Irons and baritone Robert Tucker, accompanied by the Blenheim Choral.

“It was lovely to have musical friends and former members rejoin us, like Kurt Simcic, Caitlin and Cathy and violinist Michelle Brown who is studying her music masters in Wellington”, mentions Linda.

“Kodi’s amazing and has come such a long way in his composing and conducting journey that we commissioned the new piece ‘Tenfold’ from him especially for the weekend.

“Likewise, sharing the stage with international piano star and world-class professor Michael Tsalka was an absolute blessing.

“We’ve come so far in 10 years, and in 10 more years I’m really hoping to see more depth in players, especially in unusual instruments for UpBeat development orchestra and to continue to develop the orchestral artform here in Marlborough.”