Clarion

Foremost New Zealand composer Eve de Castro-Robinson considers the future of our next generation in her newest concerto, Clarion, featuring Bede Williams on trumpet and pūtātara (conch shell) with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Peter Scholes.

Research shows that an understanding of our warming climate can be seen in the carbon being layered in the growth of the conch shell. Like the shell, de Castro-Robinson builds up instrumental layers in Clarion building gradually to its cataclysmic climax with the trumpeter utilising a range of calls and cries, keening, moaning, alerting, and sounding a warning to us of our need to act in the current climate emergency.

 Fittingly, in creating this work, de Castro-Robinson and Scotland-based, New Zealand-born Williams collaborated across the seas. 

This very special one night only performance is exclusive to Auckland Arts Festival and follows the world premiere at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

The concert includes a selection of other works composed by Eve de Castro-Robinson:
Peal – performed by Mere Boynton (vocals) and Eric Renick (percussion)
Chaos of Delight IV – performed by Luca Manghi (piccolo, flute) and Ben Hoadley (bassoon)
Stumbling Trains – performed by Ashley Brown (cello)
hau – performed by Mere Boynton (vocals, crystal glass)

Listen to an interview with Eve on RNZ here