HELEN MEDLYN
Helen Medlyn, made an Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate in 2002, has been described as “a national treasure” and William Dart, the New Zealand Herald critic, once asked “is there anything she can’t do?” Her repertoire, which is certainly eclectic and extensive, encompasses such highlights as playing Joy Gresham in the play, “Shadowlands”, Mary Magdalene in the musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”, a Rhinemaiden and a Valkyrie in Wagner’s four-opera epic “The Ring Cycle”, being Mistress of Ceremonies for the “Queen of the Whole Pacific – A Very Queer Beauty Pageant” and proving to be not too shabby a speller on “The Great New Zealand Spelling Bee”! With her indubitable sense of fun, her innate musicality and her distinctive way with words, Helen has been acclaimed both here and overseas for performances in which she stamps her own unique style on all
GREGORY SQUIRE : PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR
Gregory Squire is one of New Zealand’s busiest and most sought after musicians. Born in Waipukurau he began playing the violin at the age of 11 and at 14 became a pupil of Auckland-based teacher, Heather Smith. He was educated at the Royal College of Music in London and led a busy life as soloist, concertmaster and conductor prior to his return to New Zealand.
Gregory has conducted in the U.K. and is a frequent guest conductor of a number of orchestras in New Zealand. He has conducted the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and appeared as director and soloist with the Vector Wellington Orchestra, the Hawke’s Bay Orchestra and the Wellington Chamber Orchestra. As a member of the NZSO he instigated their education and outreach programme and this commitment to the future continues with the HBO’s “Orch-es-trate!” programme.
In 2008 Gregory was appointed Music Director of the Wellington Youth Orchestra and earlier this year, he was Music Director for Napier Operatic’s production of “Miss Saigon”.
ANTON WUTS:
Anton Wuts studied music at Victoria and Massey University, and was active in the Wellington music scene during and after these studies. Freelancing in a number of jobs, he has played with Letterbox Lambs (rock band), RNZAF central band (symphonic band), Wellington Sinfonia (symphony orchestra), Fracas (jazz wind trio), Stroma (new music ensemble), and Saxcess (saxophone quartet). He then left New Zealand to experience a life at sea. Playing in the show band aboard the cruise ship “Celebration”, and eventually becoming the musical director, he found the sailor’s life not for him, and returned to teach music in Hawke’s Bay.
In the mystic land of Egypt
Oh Maid, of beauteous tresses,
and eyes of soft caresses,
your glance is all beguiling,
and your lips are ever smiling.
Let us float together,
for ever and forever,
To some far distant Isle
A-down the mystic Nile
LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY
Land of Hope and Glory, Mother of the Free,
How shall we extol thee, who are born of thee?
Wider still, and wider, shall thy bounds be set;
God, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!
God, who made thee mighty, make thee mightier yet!
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