Two milestone artistic appointments are the highlight of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra 2009 Season announced today.

German conductor Eckehard Stier takes up the position of APO Music Director, joining Britain's Roy Goodman who was confirmed as Principal Guest Conductor.

"Eckehard and Roy have already made a huge impact on Auckland audiences and our musicians with their energy and enormous skill," says APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser. Two milestone artistic appointments are the highlight of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra 2009 Season announced today.

German conductor Eckehard Stier takes up the position of APO Music Director, joining Britain's Roy Goodman who was confirmed as Principal Guest Conductor.

"Eckehard and Roy have already made a huge impact on Auckland audiences and our musicians with their energy and enormous skill," says APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser."By making these appointments there is a real sense of fulfilment and anticipation within the APO that we hope audiences will share."

"The appointment of a Music Director is extremely important for the orchestra. We were looking for someone who embodied the qualities we aspire to as an orchestra and who could help further develop these qualities: excitement for music, connection to our audience, a commitment to Auckland, and a passion for excellence. Eckehard Stier was a natural choice."

The APO's 2009 season brings together international and New Zealand soloists, a stunning tribute to commemorate the bicentennial of Haydn's death, one of the world's most-loved operas and a series of favourite classical works, serving up a wide variety of the finest symphonic music with the passion and innovation that have become hallmarks of the APO seasons.

"2009 will be a wonderful year for the APO," says Ms Glaser. "We're very proud to be presenting such a gathering of talent from New Zealand and around the world."

Among the guest soloists are a number of return visitors for the APO including cellists Raphael Wallfisch and Torleif Thedeen, and stunning Bulgarian violinist Bella Hristova, alongside New Zealanders, virtuoso pianist Michael Houstoun and violinist Natalia Lomeiko.

"These are just a handful of the soloists who have been immensely popular with our audiences and we are very excited about welcoming them back in 2009."

The season begins in February with the first concert in the APN News and Media Series - 'New Beginnings' featuring British teenage violin sensation Jennifer Pike on her first visit to New Zealand. At just 12 years old, Jennifer became the youngest ever winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year. Now 19, she will be performing Chausson's lush Poeme and Ravel's tribute to the gypsy violin, Tzigane.

In August, the APO presents its premiere performance of Mahler's monumental sixth symphony, often called 'The Tragic Symphony', while leading international clarinettist Michael Collins, joins the orchestra in November for 'Grand Finale' to perform Weber's high-spirited Clarinet Concerto No 1.

In 2009, the Vero Series of three concerts in March, June and October feature the most popular and famous classical works in a relaxed informal setting. The series includes soloists Diedre Irons (piano), violinist Bella Hristova and internationally renowned Japanese pianist Noriko Ogawa.

Tchaikovsky takes centre stage for the Splendour Series with three concerts in June and July showcasing the variety and brilliance of his music and including his best known symphonic works - his first piano concerto and his three final symphonies including the sixth symphony, the "Pathetique".

Once again, the APO teams up with vocal soloists and choirs to present two very special concerts - the Opera in Concert in August, Puccini's Madame Butterfly (with the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus); and, to commemorate the bicentennial of Joseph Haydn's death the APO, together with the Graduate Choir, will perform his greatest choral work, The Creation in October.

The APO has also appointed Chris Adams as its Composer-in-Residence for 2009. As part of the programme, Mr Adams will create commissioned works for performance by the orchestra and its ensembles, and will also play a role as mentor to young composers as part of the APO's education programme.

The residency has previously been held by well-established composers including Gareth Farr and Ross Harris, but in 2009 the APO has taken a slightly different direction to use the residency to help a younger composer establish himself more securely in the New Zealand music scene.

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra is a fulltime, professional symphony orchestra that presents more than 100 performances each year. The APO's main series of 12 concerts is the APN News & Media Premier Series. In addition to this series, it also presents the three-concert Vero Series, a three-concert Splendour Series, an annual Opera in Concert event and a Choral Masterpieces concert.

2009 Series Subscriptions are available now with subscribers saving 10 to 40 per cent on ticket prices. Mix'n'Match options are also available, giving concertgoers the opportunity to pick and choose across the different series. To request a 2009 Season Brochure Ph 09 638 7073 or visit the website, www.apo.co.nz.

01/10/08