KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra wrapped up its nationwide tour with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at the Auckland Town Hall on Friday night.
Under the direction of visiting Dutch conductor Lawrence Renes, the orchestra performed a selection of works by Mozart, Strauss and Mahler to a sell-out audience.
Following the performance, NZSO sponsor Audi hosted two VIP functions, where concertgoers were able to meet some of the orchestra's musicians at first hand, while enjoying alight supper.
Dame Kiri and Renes made fleeting appearances at both functions, thanking people for attending and commending Audi for supporting classical music.
Wearing a pink silk blouse and dripping in diamonds, Dame Kiri joked about the differences between performing in the North and South Islands, before saying, "It's nice to come back up here and be very, very welcomed".
The tour was part of the NZSO's 60th birthday celebrations, which have seen Dame Kiri and the orchestra perform in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton and Auckland over the past month.
- Flash NZ Herald
