Beloved APO circus experience returns in October

Photo: Stephen Langdon

After selling out their breathtaking show Midnight in 2017, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) is again collaborating with Auckland’s leading circus theatre company, The Dust Palace, on a new work in which the circus performers tell their enchantingly beautiful story around – and above – the orchestra.

A young warrior searches for her father, who has transformed into a monster, before the darkness which overtakes their magical realm consumes him. In the darkest hour, many of us fear the morning might not arrive. Fighting the deadly shadows, our heroine is pushed to the limits of her bravery, while encountering creatures, friends and foes through her magical journey to save her beloved Papa.

Handel’s beautiful Sarabande, Respighi’s portrait of The Nightingale and arguably the most famous sunrise ever set to music, Grieg’s shimmering Morning Mood from Peer Gynt, are just a few of the beautiful and sometimes quirky classics the orchestra will perform. The repertoire also includes two pieces by highly-regarded New Zealand composer Eve de Castro-Robinson; Aurora and an excerpt from Releasing the Angel.

Of the performance, audience members can expect giant puppets, performers flying through the sky, a vibrant fairground, two new apparatus being debuted by The Dust Palace: A Russian Cradle and a teeterboard, and – of course – an incredible sunrise at dawn.

Established by Eve Gordon and Mike Edward in 2009, The Dust Palace is a New Zealand circus theatre company which presents extraordinary, audacious and immensely creative work that is visually stunning and brave in its frankness about human nature.

The 2017 collaboration with the APO, Midnight, sold out weeks in advance of the show. Critics called it “The latest and perhaps greatest of [the APO’s] experimental hybrid performances” and “Exquisite in its skill, grace and daring. A true ‘ballet in the sky’.”

Of the immensely talented conductor, Tianyi Lu, people have said, “Inspirational and emotive,” “An innate ability to communicate a deep understanding of the music, delivering clearly and with freshness and energy,” and “Complete mastery on the podium.”

Dawn, presented by Bayleys, takes place at the Aotea Centre at 8pm on Friday 11 October and 2pm on Saturday 12 October.

ENDS

Dawn

Presented by Bayleys

Conductor Tianyi Lu
Featuring The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
Cirque Performers The Dust Palace
Artistic Director Mike Edward 

Aotea Centre
When: 8pm, Friday 11 October | 2pm, Saturday 12 October
Bookings:        ticketmaster.co.nz / 0800 111 999
More info:      Here