In Golden Halls

An exhibition of photographs revealing the private and public moments of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra players during their smash-hit international tour is about to go on display in Wellington.

The exhibition In Golden Halls shows the orchestra enjoying its acclaimed triumph at Vienna’s world-famous Musikverein concert hall last November, as well as more intimate scenes in dressing rooms, backstage and in the wings.

24-year-old Olivia Taylor joined the NZSO as its official photographer during the tour of Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland and Austria, in a partnership between Massey University and the NZSO.

The Master of Fine Arts graduate says she took more than a thousand shots, capturing a rarely-seen side of the orchestra.

“Watching the players prepare, perform and then enjoy the incredible audience reaction at each concert was an amazing experience. I had an access-all-areas pass, allowing me to capture both the players’ polished performances and their more personal moments backstage.”

NZSO Chief Executive Peter Walls says the photos are an enduring record of the most ambitious tour in the orchestra’s history.

“The tour was a huge artistic success and we won over some of the toughest audiences in Europe. Olivia’s pictures brilliantly capture the behind-the-scenes hard work, and the moments of triumph.”

Massey University Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Sally Morgan says the university’s exciting collaboration with the NZSO has resulted in a compelling body of work.

“Olivia has been a high-achieving student and was awarded the Peter Turner Memorial Scholarship in 2009. The School of Fine Arts is both proud and excited to be profiling the work of this impressive College of Creative Arts graduate.”

The NZSO 2010 international tour began with a performance at the Shanghai World Expo ahead of eleven concerts across Europe in three weeks.

The photographs will go on the road with the NZSO for public display in other centres later this year.