Posts filed under Performances
Evening performance at Metlifecare Wairarapa
Posted on April 16, 2012
Performed this evening after a special dinner for village residents at Metlifecare Wairarapa, during which I took them back through the decades with hits from Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Nat King Cole, and numerous others. Concluded with a vocal number, which had everyone singing fondly along with me to the 1938 jazz standard "I'll Be Seeing You." I had a great time and was touched by the overwhelming response from all in attendance.
Fletcher Construction
Posted on December 6, 2009
Enjoyed a superb evening's performance for Fletcher Construction's centenary celebrations (1909-2009) at the Fletcher-built Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The evening featured a visual tour through the company's 100-year history complemented by music through the decades. After an initial performance in the museum foyer by a string quartet playing music from 1909 to 1919, I was commissioned to perform a musical timeline throughout dinner: 1920's music for the entrée; 1930's music throughout the main course; and 1940's music during dessert. Each course was preceded by a presentation of the company's achievements down through the years covered by those periods.
The instrument hired for the occasion was a 1909 New York Steinway & Sons Model D Concert Grand piano, which had been transported to the museum in the morning and tuned on site. The 100-year-old Steinway was in top form for its age, with a mature tonal quality and timbre, a crystalline upper register and warm, full bass notes, and delightfully sensitive to touch; overall, a pure delight to play.
Following dessert and the conclusion of my performance, master of ceremonies Nick Tansley and his band The Mod Squad provided dance music from the 1950's to the present day. It was a pleasure working along with Nick and organiser Christina de Boer to contribute to a memorable evening for the nearly 500 guests in attendance at Wellington's magnificent Te Papa venue. (Click here for photos.)
Fashion Parade
Posted on September 29, 2009
Enjoyed performing for the 10th Southern Hemisphere Feltmakers Convergence Fashion Parade at Copthorne Resort Solway Park in Masterton this evening. Very much a wearable-arts type of affair, with a request for music to match the wide variety of styles and themes that were worn by the various models.
A challenging gig which kept me on my toes as I was practically improvising and creating music on the spot for each of the 50 models as they appeared, without any warning as to what to expect! For the first time ever I discarded my repertoire as it was no use to me, but judging by feedback during and after my performance, the music was enjoyed very much, and I had a lot of fun!
Sir Howard Morrison
Posted on September 29, 2009
On 2 May 2009 I had the opportunity to perform at an evening with Sir Howard Morrison for over 150 distinguished guests (including the region’s mayors) at the Kaumatua Ball 2009 held at the Masterton Town Hall. To my great surprise, Sir Howard gave me a standing ovation for my lively interpretation of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” The song had clearly delighted him.
After I had concluded playing for the evening, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Sir Howard for a while prior to his own performance. I asked Sir Howard whether he was going to be singing later in the evening, to which he replied, “Yes, and I brought along a backing CD, but then I didn’t know they were going to have someone like you playing!”
Sir Howard was being gracious; his backing track was far more suited to his performance than a single piano accompaniment, but I gladly joined the other guests to enjoy what was the highlight of this special occasion.
It was hinted that there may be an opportunity to perform together again in the near future. Sadly, that wasn't to be. Sir Howard Morrison passed away at his Rotorua home on 24 September, aged 74.
2009 Bride of the Year
Posted on September 5, 2009
Satisifed but tired after a long evening's performance at the Wedding Expo and Wairarapa's 40th Bride of the Year. The show is getting bigger and more popular, with three times as many exhibitors as last year, and 500 in attendance for the Bride of the Year competition. I was feeling quite exhausted afterwards and could have done with the services of a roadie to pack up all my equipment for me!
BPW Conference
Posted on May 1, 2009
Had a very successful evening’s performance at Copthorne Resort Solway Park for the NZ Federation of Business and Professional Women's 70th Anniversary and annual conference. Movie themes were very popular. Special guests were MP John Hayes, Masterton Mayor Garry Daniell, South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples and guest speaker Theresa Gattung (once ranked 49 on the Forbes list of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women”). They all loved the music. Now looking forward to tomorrow night’s gig!
Kaumatua Ball 2009
Posted on April 29, 2009
Have been requested to perform at a Kaumatua Ball on Saturday evening, with renowned NZ entertainer Sir Howard Morrison present as special guest.
Trentham Gardens Wedding
Posted on March 28, 2009
Back home, tired but satisfied after providing an evening’s music to yet another very appreciative group of wedding guests in Wellington.
Gear Homestead Wedding
Posted on March 22, 2009
Back home after an enjoyable afternoon in Wellington performing to a very appreciative wedding party at the historic Gear Homestead. Did not include pan-flute performance due to inadequate acoustics.
Relay for Life concert
Posted on February 28, 2009
Heading down to the venue to finalise set-up for tonight’s late-night performance. And it’s raining hard.