Programme

The heft and glory of the NZSO collides with the Shayne P. Carter songbook for the world premiere of this formidable work. Ten tracks ‘reformed’ in orchestral technicolour while maintaining the integrity of the originals.

Classic songs like Randolph’s Going Home and If I Were You spar with new numbers like Left To Defend. Guitar and orchestra do battle on the mighty Crystalator. Songs from Carter’s solo Offsider album expand from their original two finger piano primitivism into widescreen epicness. Other songs glower with the drama of orchestral restraint.

With arrangements by Tane Upjohn Beatson and conducted by Hamish McKeich, REforms is a singular and purposeful artistic statement; an immersive and all encompassing performance from a world-class orchestra and one of Aotearoa’s greatest singer/songwriters.

Part of Lōemis Festival, an annual midwinter arts festival that began in 2016 and takes place in locations around Wellington, Te Whanganui a Tara.

Listen to the album: