Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to perform at libraries

Forget the hills. The Christchurch City Libraries are alive with the sound of music!

This week the Libraries will launch their first ever collaboration with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (CSO), bringing a programme of 10 free concerts to the city's libraries.

Full of song, dance, storytelling and interaction, Leighs Construction CSO Presents: Music Trails through the Library is a series of 10 concerts featuring CSO ensembles being held at various Christchurch libraries on the first Wednesday of every month.

Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson said the programme was a fantastic opportunity to help make music, and learning about music, accessible to all Christchurch residents.

“The combination of music and libraries has worked so well in the past. Children can learn about music. They can marvel at different instruments. Everyone can benefit in some way just by taking part.

“It is a privilege to work in collaboration with such a well renowned organisation who shares similar goals and values when looking at the importance of community engagement.”

CSO First Violin and Community Engagement Programme Leader Cathy Irons said each concert would feature a different ensemble, including string, brass, woodwind and percussion.

“As a parent, I loved taking my children to visit the library. Now the CSO will bring an extra dimension to it by combining it with a musical journey.

“Music Trails is our very first series of concerts through ten of Christchurch’s new or favourite libraries. Each month, audiences will have the opportunity to discover and listen to an ensemble from one the sections of the orchestra.”

The performances will also combine song, dance, and storytelling, with instruments playing the roles of characters.

The first concert will be on February 1 at Fendalton Library at 10.30am, featuring a string quartet. The concerts will continue through different libraries throughout the year on the first Wednesday of the month.

Find out more on the Libraries programme.