Calls of ‘Wherefore art thou Community Classics?’ will be answered on 16 June when Auckland Philharmonia’s free concert series kicks off with the Community Classics Central concert in the Auckland Town Hall. Uniting music lovers across Tāmaki Makaurau, this year’s Community Classics concert series features repertoire inspired by William Shakespeare and includes two further concerts later this year in South Auckland (21 July) and the North Shore (19 October). Don’t miss this special opportunity to see Auckland’s professional orchestra perform live for free in a relaxed, family-friendly concert environment.
Often referred to as ‘The Bard’, Shakespeare has influenced many aspects of life, arts and culture, including music. This year’s Auckland Philharmonia Community Classics concert series will feature Shakespeare-themed music that audiences will know and love, such as extracts from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story, plus many other bard-inspired pieces.
Experienced Kiwi Shakespearean actor who has performed in countless Pop-Up Globe productions, Kevin Keys, will present all three concerts in the series sharing quotes and connections to The Bard. However, no prior knowledge is required of Shakespeare or classical music – all are welcome to enjoy the incredible music played by the orchestra’s talented professional musicians and conducted by the 2024 NZ Assistant Conductor-in-Residence, Ingrid Martin.
Enjoy orchestral bangers inspired by the great bard, all from the comfort of a bean bag. At this year’s Community Classics concerts, bean bags will replace some of the stalls seating to make it a more relaxed and comfortable environment.
Thomas Hamill, Auckland Philharmonia’s Director of Learn & Participate, is thrilled to deliver this free concert series that brings Aucklanders together through music.
“With three concerts across Tāmaki Makaurau all available at no cost to concert goers, our Community Classics series helps to give more people greater access to the orchestra and share and inspire a love of orchestral music with the wider community. These concerts are an uplifting hour of music that everyone can enjoy, simply come along to see beautiful music performed for free by Auckland’s full-strength professional orchestra,” he says.
The Community Classics series is presented by Davis Funerals and supported by Auckland Live, Four Winds Foundation, and the orchestra’s core funders, Auckland Council, Creative New Zealand and Foundation North. Booking not required but arrive early as entry is first in first served.