Austerity attractions

Auckland Philharmonia has some stellar concerts planned, despite budget constraints.

- RICHARD BETTS

Classical 

With the spectre of central and local government cuts looming, the recently rebranded Auckland W Philharmonia - the word "orchestra" apparently an early victim of the new budgetary climate - has produced an austerity programme. It will hope that a good proportion of classical music staples will be reflected at the box office. Carrying the weight, however, are New Zealand composers and fans of contemporary classical music. The orchestra, which has a rich tradition of supporting local artists, plays about 30 minutes of Kiwi music in total across its entire mainstage season. It's not enough. A spokesperson for the philharmonia says other works were initially programmed but the numbers didn't work, and that there is music in the pipeline for coming seasons.

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