First Events Announced For 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival

A fusion of dance celebrating George Gershwinâs music, a play with no words set to a soundtrack of Simon and Garfunkel, Mahlerâs orchestral masterpiece âSymphony of a Thousandâ and leading British writer and historian Simon Schama are the first events to be announced for the 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival to be held in February and March next year.
World-renowned Russian conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy will lead the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and some of the worldâs finest soloists for an epic performance of Gustav Mahlerâs Symphony No 8 âSymphony of a Thousandâ; from Latvia comes the innovative New Riga Theatre with The Sound of Silence â a play without words set to the soundtrack of Simon and Garfunkel; French dance company Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu makes its first visit to New Zealand with Good Morning, Mr. Gershwin; while leading British writer, historian and television presenter Simon Schama headlines New Zealand Post Writers and Readers Week.
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival which takes place in Wellington from 26th February to 21st March.
Artistic Director Lissa Twomey says the 2010 Festival programme looks to the past while continuing to explore innovative art forms of the future, stating "weâre bringing the best possible works and the best artists to New Zealand to connect with, engage and entertain the widest possible audiences,�? adding âIâm excited about the wealth of experiences we have in store for 2010 and Iâm delighted to now be able to share a few Festival gems.�?
The full 2010 New Zealand International Arts Festival programme of music, theatre, dance, performance, visual arts and literature which will be announced on Tuesday 3rd November. The 2010 event is supported by Gold sponsorship partners TV3, New Zealand Post, Pacific Blue and Clemenger BBDO.

http://www.nzfestival.nzpost.co.nz.