Cellists of Otago and Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra are joining forces in the spirit of kama muta (warmth and togetherness) to present Be Moved!, a fusion concert, on Sunday, 3pm, at Dunedin Town Hall.
The concert was the brainchild of Cellists of Otago director Heleen du Plessis and Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra director Nick Cornish, as a way of exploring the rich Latin music tradition in a novel way.
Du Plessis said the pair would lead from the front, performing as cello and saxophone soloists respectively, in a concert that would bring to life a cross-pollination of genres and musical traditions.
Eight members of each of the ensembles — some of whom are members of the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra — will take the stage in groups of various sizes, both individually and together in an array of pieces introduced by narrator/MC Melanie Kerr.
They will perform arrangements of works created by composer-arrangers Tom Rainey and Alex Vanden Broek, with a piece for cello ensemble and saxophone improvisation by Peter Adams.
"Nick Cornish is an amazing improviser, so I know this piece is going to be fantastic," du Plessis said.
"Throughout the concert, we will be performing a fusion of the jazz, classical and tango traditions — as well as music from movies, which will create a fascinating soundscape."
The concert was inspired by the concept of kama muta, which meant "a powerful feeling of being moved, touched by heart-warming emotions, memories and nostalgia", she said.
"Through the music, our performers and the audience will experience a deep connection — emphasising the strength of shared musical experiences.
"It is important to experience that coming together in difficult times."
Building on the mental health awareness theme of "Movement: Moving more for mental health", the concert would give people the chance to be moved by music while also encouraging them to move with it, du Plessis said.
"We all know that Latin music has a passion and a beat to it that encourages people to move, so there will be that joyful feeling to the concert."
The organisers also hoped to highlight environmental sustainability, she said.
"So this event serves as both a musical journey and a call to action."
Be Moved! is supported through a Dunedin City Council Performing Arts Grant, a Creative NZ Creative Communities Grant and a Dunedin Town Hall access grant.
• Be Moved! will be held on Sunday, October 20, 3pm, at Dunedin Town Hall.
Tickets at cellistsofotago.com and ticketmaster.co.nz and at The Regent Theatre box office.
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