The Auckland Wind Orchestra: Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue

The Auckland Wind Orchestra presents: Rhapsody in Red, White and Blue, a free concert generously funded by the Auckland City Council.

This all-American selection features vibrant mid-20th Century masterworks by Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein and Persichetti.

Gershwin's well-loved Rhapsody in Blue will feature piano soloist Nathan Vink. Nathan, a psychology student at the University of Auckland, says 'the original piece was written for a jazz wind orchestra, with only a small compliment of violins - and so the version we are doing is really attempting to trace the roots of the piece'.

Less known but equally jazzy is Bernstein's Three Dance Episodes from "On the Town''. This features the diminutive E-flat clarinet in a 3 movement portrait of wartime New York by night.

In contrast, Copland's iconic An Outdoor Overture celebrates America's grand and expansive wilderness areas, along with the recreation and adventure they bring.

Persichetti is the finest of America's many specialist wind band composers. His Pageant is a rare gem which provides an oasis of majesty in a mostly fast-paced progamme.

Conducted by Ewan Clark.

Rhapsody in Red White and Blue promises to be an exciting concert, with an excellent price: it's free.