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19 November 2010
In October, we were delighted to celebrate our 60th birthday in style with Schubertiade concerts in all ten centres, showcasing some of New Zealand’s best loved musicians. The programme of favourite Schubert works included the Notturno, the String Quartet No 15 in G D887, and the ever popular ‘Trout’ Quintet, and featured the New Zealand String Quartet, pianist Michael Houstoun and double bass player Michael Steer. The concerts were presented as a birthday gift to CMNZ subscribers.
On the date itself, Thursday 28 October, it was a night full of celebrations in Wellington. Following a buffet dinner at the West Plaza Hotel, attended by 100 guests from around the country, the concert began on a stage dressed like a Viennese drawing room from Schubert’s time, including armchairs and candlesticks. Following the interval, bass Roger Wilson surprised us by singing ‘The Trout’, complete with top hat and tails.
Subscribers were treated to a further gift: an anniversary book about CMNZ, written by Jane Dawson. Staying in Tune follows on from John Thomson’s Into a New Key, and documents the organisation’s history from 1983 to the present day.
Following the concert, a reception was held in the Civic Suite at the Wellington Town Hall to cap off the celebrations, with over 150 guests in attendance. Speakers included Chair of the Board June Clifford, Chief Executive Euan Murdoch, Minister for Arts, Culture, and Heritage, Hon Chris Finlayson, and CMNZ advocate and performer Michael Houstoun (whose speech can be read here). While an anniversary cake was cut and wine was drunk, the many associates of CMNZ continued to share their memories with one another long into the night.
Photos from the celebrations can be viewed on our Facebook page.