Baton lines drawn at Apec

By Warren Gamble

The country's two main orchestras are pitched in an elite battle of the bands, the glittering prize a performance before some of the world's most powerful leaders at the Apec summit.

And suggestions that the Wellington-based New Zealand Symphony Orchestra could bump its rival, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, off the world stage are already causing some discord.

Organisers of the Apec leaders' forum in Auckland say no decisions have been made on the entertainment for the dinner on September 13 at the Auckland Town Hall.

Logan Brewer, creator of the Auckland Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, has been given the job of coming up with a programme, but the final decision rests with Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.

Both orchestras put in strong bids to play at the banquet, which will have such illustrious diners as President Bill Clinton and the leaders of Russia, China and Japan.

Sources have told the New Zealand Herald that early indications were the job would go to the NZSO.

Its chief executive, Ian Fraser, said yesterday that he was not in favour of the NZSO moving around the country "raping and pillaging" concerts, but the Apec summit was a special case.

"The issue, I think, is that we are the national orchestra and this is a national and international event."

There had been no financial talks with Apec organisers, but he indicated that the orchestra might depart from its normal practice of full cost recovery for concerts outside its normal programme.

"In this case, where we have such a clear Government interest, I think we would have to be prepared to enter into a negotiation," he said.

The Auckland Philharmonic general manager, Lloyd Williams, said that he had not received any indication about which orchestra would be chosen. But he would be worried and disappointed if the Government asked the NZSO to do the concert for free or on a cost-recovery basis.

The Auckland orchestra would charge for its performance, but would cost less because it would not have travel and accommodation expenses.

Mr Williams said there was little difference in performance standards between the orchestras.

Final decisions on the dinner programme are expected within the next two months.