Sunset Symphony

Waikato Times Review
Where: Waikato Times Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival
What: Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra Sunset Symphony
When: March 1 2009
Reviewed by: Andrew Buchanan-Smart
The evening compered by radio host Mark Bunting was a family event for all to appreciate. The Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival grand finale ended in an explosive and spectacular fashon with simulated cannon sounds, ringing bells and fireworks amid Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture.
The orchestra under conductor Rupert D'Cruze was the mainstay of the event. The opening Festive Overture by Shostakovich was a solid opening to the evening, except for the occasional intonation concern which remained throughout. Tenor Ash Puriri and soprano Anna Hawkins were the in-love soloists as Tony and Maria from Bernstein's West Side Story as they sang Maria, The Balcony Song, Tonight and One Hand One Heart, seemingly oblivious of each other; with little rapport or chemistry in these love duets.
The Strauss Blue Danube Waltz and a suite from the Star Wars movies brought the first half to a close. One could sense the party atmosphere beginning to develop as the sun set. After the interval, vocal Popera quartet Lyrica delighted with a selection which included Prayer in the Night and Nights in White Satin.
Their excellent ensemble singing was well balanced. The Te Awamutu Brass Band added an element of nostalgia with a Trip through Disneyland. Hawkins returned with an exquisite O Mio Babino Caro from Puccini's Gianni Schicchi and Puriri entertained with old favourite Nessun Dorma from Turandot. Their final duet Time to Say Goodbye was suitably titled as the younger audience were beginning to fade. 

Proudly Supported by Trust Waikato, Perry Foundation, Lion Foundation,Sky City Hamilton Community Trust, Pub Charity and Wel Energy Trust