2002 Reviews

15 May 2002
"Around the World" Captivates Audience
...from the Dargaville & Districts News
Saturday nights "Gem of the Kaipara" concert captivated the 440 people who crammed Dargaville's Town Hall and has also drawn high praise from visiting musicians from the Auckland Symphony Orchestra.

The programme Around the World in 80 Minutes ranged from classical through to the Star Trek Theme, but the highlight was the world premiere of "Gem of the Kaipara" composed by the orchestra's conductor, Gary Daverne, in memory of the late Jenny Cocurullo.

This featured locally born virtuoso accordionist Kevin Friedrich, who also played with the orchestra during Rhapsody for Accordion and Orchestra also composed by conductor, Gary Daverne.

"Gem of the Kaipara" gained a standing ovation and was played twice, the second time supplemented by a PowerPoint presentation showing scenic features of the Kaipara plus a number of pictures of Mrs. Cocurullo.

Members of the audience spoken to, were unanimous in praise both for the concert and commissioned work.

14 May 2002
...from the Kauri Coast Advocate
Hundreds of Kaipara folk are still misty eyed after Saturday night's memorable and ground-breaking concert by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra in Dargaville.

Expatriate Kaipara local and world renowned accordionist, Kevin Friedrich peformed as soloist for the haunting piece by ASO conductor Gary Daverne, "Gem of the Kaipara" which was written and played as a tribute to his friend, the late Jenny Cocurullo.

The orchestra's performance, bringing the glittering world of music to Dargaville, brought the house down.

1 May 2002
Tickets Rushed... demand exceeds seating availability
...from the Dargaville & Districts News

Demand for tickets at the Auckland Symphony Orchestra's "Gem of the Kaipara" concert on May 11 in Dargaville, has totally outstripped supply despite an extra 100 tickets being made available. These were snapped up and there was a waiting list of more than 70.

Organizers were overwhelmed by the response and also at the local generosity of the community by raising more than $10,000 that allowed the concert to be free.

The concert is the third special event organized by the Kaipara District Council in line with its policy of putting on a major event in Dargaville each year.

Fiona Mannington (piano), winner of the Vodaphone Silver Ferns, By Day By Night - Make a Wish Come True, competition, playing with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gary Daverne, to a capacity audience, at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, 24 November 2002.