London Symphony Orchestra concert to feature three NZSM alumni
Three New Zealand School of Music - Te Kōkī voice alumni have been cast in London Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming performance of Bernstein’s operetta Candide.
The London Symphony Orchestra was named by Gramophone as one of the top five orchestras in the world, and is widely acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. Its performance of Candide with the London Symphony Chorus will take place at the Barbican Hall in London on 8 and 9 December.
Thomas Atkins (graduated 2012, Bachelor of Music), has been cast as an ensemble tenor for the performance. He was recently heard as Rodolfo in NZ Opera's La Bohème, and has just completed two years as a Jette Parker Young Artist with the Royal Opera, Covent Garden. He is now signed by Inter Musica Arts Management in London.
Katherine McIndoe and Frederick Jones have been cast in smaller roles. Katherine McIndoe (graduated 2015, Bachelor of Music with Honours), is currently studying at Guildhall School in London. She was a recent finalist in the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition, where she was awarded scholarships for the Israeli Opera Young Artist Programme, language study in Italy, and the Canadian Vocal Arts Institute summer school.
Frederick Jones, tenor (graduated 2013, Postgraduate Diploma in Music), is currently studying at Guildhall School, London. He recently performed the lead role of Tom in The Rake's Progress with British Youth Opera, and received a rave review in The Times of London which described him as 'terrifically good… singing with warmth, openness and incisive diction'.
The cast includes four young New Zealand singers, with Jonathan Eyers joining these three NZSM graduates. A significant event, the concert with the London Symphony Orchestra in the Barbican Hall will round off worldwide celebrations of Leonard Bernstein's centenary year and is conducted by the renowned Marin Alsop – who was herself mentored by the great conductor and composer.