An American Journey

In an audio-visual spectacular the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Christopher Luke, takes you on a stunning journey across the American landscape, from the promise of the New World with the first glimpse of the Statue of Liberty, through the seething tenements of New York immortalised in West Side Story, to the vibrant jazz of Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans, then across the prairies with the settlers into the wild west and beyond.

There’s memorable marches, movie themes and popular favourites, showcasing some of the great American composers including Copland, Sousa and John Williams. In centre place, George Gershwin’s magnificent Piano Concerto, capturing the spirit of the jazz age in New York, with soloist Rosa Scaffidi.

Add to that the haunting “Cavatina” with guitarists Dominique Blatti and Julian Raphael and Charlie Betts singing one of Paul Simon’s greatest hits. Bring along the whole family to celebrate the best of American music.