The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is performing FREE concerts for families in Takapuna and Manukau on 26 and 27 June.

Featuring some of classical music’s most memorable melodies, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 (think “ta-ta-ta-TUM”) and Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man (think Superman) these concerts are special opportunities for families to watch a live orchestra in concert.

Kiwi composer Thomas Goss’ musical story Tane and the Kiwi, narrated by Chris Lam Sam, will also feature in the middle of the concert. Tane & the Kiwi is an adaptation of noted NZ radio pioneer Alwyn Owen’s Poki the Kiwi tale, How The Kiwi Lost His Wings. It is a sacrificial tale based on the Kiwi’s decision to help Tane Mahuta save his children, the trees, from near death – being eaten by bugs. The Kiwi was the only bird in the forest willing to lose its wings and agree to live a life on the forest floor eating bugs. The Kiwi became a symbol of hope.

But you Kiwi, because of your great sacrifice, you will become the most well known and most loved bird of them all.

Narrator Chris Lam Sam is an accomplished composer for stage and screen. He has worked on musical projects for some of New Zealand’s top-tier performers and recording artists including Dave Dobbyn and Kimbra. Specialising in musical arrangement and film score writing, Chris’ music has featured on numerous radio and television channels, and in movie theatres throughout the USA.

Conductor Hamish McKeich will conduct the 70-minute-long performance. McKeich has forged an impressive international conducting career alongside a passionate loyalty for developing the repertoire of contemporary and experimental music. He served as the NZSO’s Associate Conductor from 2002-2006 and he has given more than 100 world premieres of new works. In 2012, he was awarded a Douglas Lilburn Trust citation for services to New Zealand music.

Enjoy this exciting opportunity to take your family to see the orchestra – for FREE!

To register for your free tickets go to http://www.nzso.co.nz/family.

The NZSO Family Concerts series is part of the NZSO’s core initiative to engage with more communities nationally. In August, the NZSO will also present NZSO Family Concerts in Gisborne and Napier.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is also performing a FREE concert for school children in Manukau on 27 June. Teachers can register for this concert HERE.