Leys Orchestra Heritage Festival Concert

As part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2019, Leys Orchestra is proud to present a free concert featuring a special programme of music from the time of Captain Cook and his crew.

This year’s festival acknowledges the 250-year anniversary of the arrival of Endeavour in 1769. Our programme focuses on music Captain Cook and his crew would have heard at home and on board ship, and a more recent expression of passion for Aotearoa.

We present some of the musical heritage brought from Britain and Europe, and music on board the 'Endeavour' during their long journey in 1769.

Sailors on these long voyages had a hard life. We are privileged to welcome special guest soloist Matthew King (tenor, button accordion, tin whistle, banjo) who will perform maritime music from Cook’s era.

Illustrating the musical heritage the crew brought with them, the programme includes items by Arne, Bach, Boyce, Haydn and Mozart. Our more recent heritage is represented with Douglas Lilburn's iconic 'Aotearoa Overture'.