Roy Howat and WPO pair up for French Kiss

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Media Release

Roy Howat and Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra pair up for French Kiss
WOOLLAHRA Philharmonic Orchestra will partner with internationally acclaimed pianist Roy Howat to present its final concert of the 2008 season, "French Kiss" from 2.30pm on Sunday 7 December at The Scots College, Victoria Road, Bellevue Hill.

Howat, who is an old family friend of the Orchestra\'s violinist Anne Jackson, will perform Poulenc\'s playful Concert Champêtre.

Conductor for the Orchestra, Mathias Rogala-Koczorowski, said the Orchestra was delighted to be playing with such an accomplished and well-respected musician.

"Roy Howat is internationally renowned as both pianist and scholar whose concerts, broadcasts and lectures regularly take him worldwide," he said.

"We are really privileged to be playing with him in this concert, and it is a rare and wonderful opportunity for our audience to enjoy a world class musician."

A graduate of King\'s College, Cambridge, Roy Howat made a special study of French music in Paris with Vlado Perlemuter, and is one of few British artists repeatedly invited to teach and play French music at major French-speaking Conservatoires and on French radio.  He is specially known for his lively lectures and master classes, which he has given worldwide at venues including the USA\'s Juilliard and Eastman Schools.

In a wide-ranging career he has also conducted professionally, played violin in major London chamber orchestras, and held University posts in several countries.

Mr Rogala-Koczorowski said the Orchestra would also perform Stravinsky\'s delightful ballet The Fairy\'s Kiss, based on melodies of Tchaikovsky but transformed by Stravinsky\'s genius.

"Berlioz\'s evocative Royal Hunt and Storm from his grand opera Les Troyens completes the French connection," he said.

Tickets are available at the door for $20 adult and $12 concession.  For more information about concerts or joining the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra please phone 0418 203 725 or visit www.wpo.org.au.

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To arrange an interview or photo opportunity please contact Lauren McIver from the Woollahra Philharmonic Orchestra on Tel: 0409 781 504 or email info@wpo.org.au.