Birthday suite warm-up for Auckland Philharmonia

APN chief executive Brendan Hopkins and Auckland Philharmonia chairwoman Rosanne Meo at last night's opening. Picture / Brett Phibbs

The Auckland Philharmonia warmed up by playing "Happy Birthday" yesterday morning, then launched into overdrive by evening for the opening of the APN News & Media Premier Series at the Auckland Town Hall.

The morning's rehearsal was for world-renowned cellist Li Wei, last night's featured soloist, who turned 30 yesterday.

The concert series, which runs 12 shows to the end of October, is a highlight of the arts calendar and attracts esteemed local and international conductors and soloists.

"Quality is what sets a great orchestra apart from a good orchestra, and what you're going to hear is a great orchestra," said incoming Philharmonia chief executive Barbara Glaser.

The first of 12 in the series, last night's show also featured Italian conductor Vittorio Parisi and music by Ravel, Busoni, Shostakovich and Dvorak.

Among the guests were APN chief executive Brendan Hopkins, Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard and Waitakere City Mayor Bob Harvey. APN News & Media is the owner of the Herald.