Ōtautahi Christchurch is the place to be this August with The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts coming alive to the sound of everything rhythm, hosting a remarkable weekend of performances, workshops, and international guests. In collaboration with UC Music, The Piano, and the Percussive Arts Society and Pandemonium Trust, audiences and musicians are in for a rare treat with the New Zealand premiere of Steve Reich’s seminal work, Music for 18 Musicians, on Saturday August 15, and the New Zealand Day of Percussion on Sunday August 16.
Scored for six percussionists, four pianists, four vocalists, two woodwind and two strings, Music for 18 Musicians changed the sound of contemporary music. Described as labyrinthine and mesmerising, UC’s percussion programme leader, Professor Justin DeHart is realising a long-held dream in presenting this work for New Zealand audiences.
Professor Justin DeHart adds “Steve Reich’s Music for 18 Musicians fundamentally changed the sound of contemporary music. As a percussionist, it has been a work that has inspired me for many years, and bringing together this community of performers to present its New Zealand premiere feels very special.”
This one-off performance brings together a large ensemble of professional and emerging New Zealand musicians – instrumentalists, vocalists, and students – working side by side, presented in partnership with staff and students from the UC Music and The Piano, and featuring singers from Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir.
The following day, also at The Piano, is the New Zealand Day of Percussion. Featuring internationally acclaimed artists Fabian Ziegler (Switzerland) and Katarzyna Myćka (Poland), they will be presenting alongside leading performers from across Aotearoa including members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and the Pandemonium Ensemble. The day will include performances, workshops, artist talks, product exhibits, and interactive sessions spanning concert percussion and drumset and is designed for students, educators, professionals, and anyone with an interest in music. Professor Justin DeHart adds “The New Zealand Day of Percussion is about bringing our national community together. Students have the opportunity to learn directly from leading international artists and New Zealand professionals while audiences can experience the extraordinary breadth of percussion performance.”
Music for 18 Musicians – New Zealand Premiere
Saturday August 15, 7.30pm
The Piano, Centre for Music and the Arts