Classical sparks

Classical Sparks is now a Christchurch institution. As a celebration of summer and the joy of living in Christchurch it’s hard to beat. The coming together of people from all walks of life in a relaxed atmosphere, sitting or lying on the grass with picnics and children and enjoying the music – it has a charm all of its own. This is our community at its best (like shovelling liquefaction for your neighbours, but more fun).

This year it takes place on Sunday 5 February. They’re featuring some great music with a programme featuring top Australian opera singers Jud Arthur and Virgilio Marino and it includes, to name a just a few favourites:

First half (with links to the music in Naxos Music Library)

• The Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco (one of my favourites)
• The Swan, a sublime piece from the Carnival of Animals
• A bit of the very well known Mozart Symphony no. 40
• Bach’s lovely Air on a G String (of a violin)
• The irresistible Toreador Aria from Carmen
• The wild and exciting  Sabre Dance by Khachaturian

Second half

• The opening of  Also Sprach Zarathustra – otherwise known a the theme from 2001 a Space Odyssey
• Mozart’s ethereal Ave Verum Corpus
• The famous Duet from the Pearl Fishers by Bizet
• The Ride of the Valkyries which would be familiar to anyone who has seen Apocalypse Now

It should be a lovely evening of music, so see you there.