Doing it in Auckland

Review: The Official Opening of the New Organ at Auckland Town Hall

By WILLIAM DART - The New Zealand Herald | 4:00AM - Tuesday, March 23, 2010

A specially commissioned symphony gave the organ
a thorough workout. — Photo: Natalie Slade.

There was no mistaking a historic occasion when Aucklanders packed the Town Hall to sample its newly restored organ. Blooms lined the stage and — after the arresting call of the pukaea, the same fierce sound that greeted Abel Tasman in Golden Bay — the capacity audience was welcomed by a powhiri.

Kerry Stevens proved a matchless MC and speeches from Mayor John Banks, organ committee chairman Stephen Hamilton and the German organbuilder Philipp Klais whetted the appetite for what we were about to hear.

John Wells launched into Bach's great D minor Toccata and Fugue, the same work that opened the inaugural Town Hall concert a century ago. The organist's immaculate articulation and keen registrations did not disappoint and nor did his virtuoso pedal work.

Indra Hughes chose subdued registrations to accompany the Brahms Geistliches Lied, ably sung by choristers from Musica Sacra, the Graduate Choir and Viva Voce; after this, conductor John Rosser exhorted singers and organist to soar seemingly to heaven itself, in Parry's Coronation anthem, I was glad.

Inevitably, Wells' specially commissioned Organ Symphony took pride of place and what a splendid working out it gives the instrument. Perhaps it was a mite too long at 34 minutes, though it could not be faulted in the showmanship stakes. And all was not flashy and extrovert; the exotic and unique koauau stop sang out with a rare sighing beauty.

Auckland Town Hall during the organ inauguration.

After interval, the finest vocal contribution came with Edward Bairstow's Blessed City, Heavenly Salem. Terence Maskell conducted with a real feeling for the weave of the music, while Hughes' translucent registrations blended with various voicings from the choirs.

The rest of the afternoon consisted of unmitigated, guilty pleasure. It is not often that we hear a rip-roaring Organ Symphony by Guilmant and 20-year-old soloist Paul Tarling, accompanied by the energetic Auckland Youth Symphony Orchestra under Anton Poljanich, held nothing back.

After a rousing sing-along to the national anthem, in a busy, knowing arrangement by Indra Hughes, many will be looking forward to Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra's concerts with English organist Thomas Trotter on Thursday and Saturday.

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