Home
Biography

Reviews


Accordion Compositions
Orchestral Compositions
Piano Compositions
Musicals for Children
Orchestral Recordings
Viscount
Orders
Orders
Robyn Hood,  The Musical
Orchestral Conductor
Composer

Music Director - Auckland Symphony Orchestra

Arranger
Record Producer



News Item: Auckland March - A new composition by Gary Daverne

Gary Daverne CD covers

For CD Track Listings and Sound Samples

New CD Releases


During the 1980’s Gary Daverne as one of New Zealand’s most successful and prolific composers created over 500 music soundtracks and jingles for radio and TV. Gary was also a prolific writer of ‘pop’ songs during that period.

These two new CD releases represent those years between 1980 to 1990 all digitally re-mastered and available through: ODE RECORDS, Email: info@oderecords.co.nz
Jingles CD cover

Jingles CD base cover



The Other Side CD front cover

The Other Side CD base cover


A LIMITED COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Over the past twenty years or so, there have been a number of CD compilations of New Zealand music made available to the public. This is the first of a planned series of collectible limited edition CD’s, which Gary Daverne produced in the early 1960’s on his own, Viscount label, when he was a ‘rockin’ roller, playing piano and saxophone in top recording bands.  He produced several hit records in that period, some of which are on this compilation.
Vaults1 cover





Vaults 2 cover

Vaults 2 back cover



UPCOMING CONCERTS

Concerts Nov 2010

Nov 2010 concerts


CONCERT CONDUCTING DATES for 2010

All with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra

November 14th Sunday 2.30pm
FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Auckland Town Hall

November 21st Sunday 2.30pm
FREE FAMILY CONCERT
Bruce Mason Centre - Takapuna

December 3rd Friday 7.30
SING ALONG CAROLS AND CHRISTMAS MUSIC
with combined Pacific Island Church choirs
Auckland Town Hall
Admission FREE


************************

'Last Night of the Proms 2010' at the Bruce Mason Centre - Takapuna - Auckland

2010 Last Night at the Proms
The Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne with the Auckland
Symphony Chorus conducted by Peter Thomas
2010 Last Night of the Proms
The Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne with the Doran
Gregory Irish Dancers.
Last Night of the Proms
The Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne with Pipe Major
Kerry Ballantyne and the City of Sails Pipe Band.

************************

Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championships, Bruce Mason Centre, North Shore City
25-29 August 2009

presentation of CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award presentation of the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion

Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes (CIA) President
presenting Gary Daverne (Conductor of the Auckland Symphony Orchestra)
with the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award

Citation read by CIA President Kevin Friedrich:

"Recognizing the significant contributions of Gary Daverne to the development of accordion music and performance, both in New Zealand and internationally, the NZAA nominated their Life Member Gary Daverne for the CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award. This was awarded by unanimous approval of the CIA at their 121st General Assembly of Delegates, held from the 30 January - 1 February 2009, in Bratislava, Slovakia. It is with great pleasure that we have this unique opportunity to present you with this award not only in front of your magnificent team of musicians in the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, but also in front of our international dignitaries from around the World. On behalf of the CIA, we offer you this "CIA Honored Friend of the Accordion Award" in sincere appreciation for your outstanding contributions.
2009 Coupe Mondiale Composition Award
2009 Coupe Mondiale Composition Award

Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Gary Daverne and Stephanie Poole

Stephanie Poole performing with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra (ASO)
performing Oblivion by Astor Piazzolla at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.
New Zealand Accordion Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne
New Zealand Accordion Orchestra (NZAO) - Conducted by Gary Daverne
performing
Invercargill March by Alex Lithgow
New Zealand in Song arranged by Gary Daverne
Musical Party by Gary Daverne (dedicated to Silvio De Pra)
at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna.
World Accordion Orchestra III
World Accordion Orchestra III (147 accordionists representing 14 nationalities) conducted by Gary Daverne. This photo was published as a centre-fold in the Finnish Accordion Institute Magazine.

************************

November 2009 concert, Auckland Town Hall
Gary Daverne in concert with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Town Hall, November 2009.

Auckland Symphony Orchestra
2009 Christmas Carols concert with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the Combined Pacific Island Church Choirs, conducted by Gary Daverne played to a capacity audience at the Auckland Town Hall.

Santa
Santa wanted to take over, but Gary wasn't too keen!

Auckland
Gary slinks offstage while Santa 'takes over'



REVIEW

'Last Night of the Proms'

Bruce Mason Centre - Takapuna
20/21st June 2009

I did not go to The Last Night of the Proms with any thought of writing a review, so I took no notes but just threw myself into the whole occasion, together with the rest of the boisterous sell-out audience - with the result that my mind is a blur, having been battered into submission by the barrage of music and humour, once again concocted by Musical Director, Gary Daverne for his Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the North Shore 100 Voice Chorale and Friends.

Frankly, everyone seems to be 'doing' Last Night of the Proms these days, but none like the ASO. Whilst there was the usual sprinkling of patriotic numbers such as 'I Vow to the My Country', 'There'll Always Be An England' and 'Flower of Scotland', it was like no other Last Night that I've ever been to. Indeed until the final quarter-hour or so one could be forgiven for thinking that one was at a cross between the Royal Command Performance and the Crazy Gang.

The Orchestra was, of course, it fine fettle and Gary at his most effervescent, while the Choir, shadow conducted by Peter Thomas, entered wholeheartedly into the mischievous spirit of things. To attempt a musical critique, particularly as a non-musician in my own case, would be to miss much of point of the afternoon.

The audience, many bedecked in flags, tinsel wigs, fancy dress and painted faces, and armed with hooters and streamers, know what to expect on these occasions, this the ninth consecutive year. They were duly treated to a succession of splendid and, in some cases, unlikely cameo features.

The evergreen Max Cryer was as immaculate and humourous as ever with his 'Little List' from the Mikado, accordionist Tracy Collins kept the pace going with some Irish sing along numbers and her impish, virtuoso playing, while pianist, Deryn Trainer gave a fine rendition of 'The Eve of Destruction' from 'War of the Worlds' and an Elton John selection.

Surely a Proms' audience have never been confronted (or do I mean affronted?) by such an outrageous 'Sweet Transvestite', Keith Adams, brilliantly portraying the hit number from the musical, 'The Rocky Horror Show'. Soprano, Louise Malloy eventually brought us back to sanity, leading the audience in the traditional 'Rule Britannia'.

Gary Daverne is a master at putting an entirely fresh show together each year - everything from Gilbert & Sullivan and 'Lord of the Dance' with the dazzling Irish Dancers to 'Starlight Express' and 'The Dambusters March' - not forgetting 'Highland Cathedral' and 'Scotland the Brave' by the City of Sails Pipe Band. Next time Gary, warn the audience that you are going to play 'You'll Never Walk Alone' and we'll all bring our scarves!

It was a wonderful afternoon's entertainment from beginning to end, but my lasting impression will be of the final ten minutes when the balloons descended from the ceiling, the hooters, streamers and poppers were let off at full force, the audience were on their feet, and the whole theatre was one huge party - what a crescendo of colour, sound and sheer exuberance!

BOB DAVIS
June 2009


Gary with Tracey Collins, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the 100 Voice North Shore Chorale


Last Night of the Proms finale.



Earlier Reviews


Earlier Reviews

A review of the concert featuring the Auckland Symphony Orchestra with Dame Malvia Major by the Rodney Times is now available to view.

View the full review here

 

 

China Tour 2007


The following is a report from CCTV after the orchestra's first concert in Beijing

The Auckland Symphony believes "Music should be fun and enjoyed by players and audiences alike." It clearly demonstrated that philosophy at its Chinese debut at Beijing's Century Theater on Saturday afternoon. The concert raised money for students in the poverty-stricken areas of China.

Auckland Symphony enjoys a loyal following and fine reputation for its performances of popular classics and film music. Their repertoire features the theme from the blockbuster "Lord of the Ring," which was shot in New Zealand.

It's said music knows of no boundary. It's the perfect bridge to unite people from different cultures, language and background. The Auckland Symphony Orchestra brought that friendship and good will to China. The Chinese love song "The Moon Speaks For My Heart" is a good example.

Beijing is the first of three charity concerts. The others are in Shanghai, and Shijiazhuang to raise money for the "Mountain Flower Project," which helps children in poverty-stricken areas of China get an education.


Gary conducting the Auckland Symphony Orchestra
Shanghai, China 2007

The Auckland Symphony is one of the most popular orchestras in New Zealand. Founded in 1975, it features over eighty players from all parts of Auckland, and from all walks of life, including a number of professional musicians as well as talented amateurs. They play purely for the pleasure of making wonderful music together.

 


The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
Names Gary Daverne ONZM a PAUL HARRIS FELLOW

“Rotary Centennial Celebration Concert” presented by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra with the Auckland Youth Choir.
At the Rotary Centennial Celebration Concert, Sunday 8 May 2005, at the Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, their conductor, Gary Daverne, was named by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, a PAUL HARRIS FELLOW ‘in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.’

Auckland Symphony Conductor, Paul Harris Fellow, Gary Daverne

Rotary District Governor, Ken Linkhorn and Rotarian and Auckland Symphony Orchestra patron John Eady presented the award, to a surprised Gary, at the closure of the concert, in front of a capacity audience.

Paul Harris photo
Auckland Symphony conductor, Gary Daverne, receives Paul Harris Fellow award from 9910 District Governor Ken Linkhorn joined by Rotarians John Eddy and David Anstice.

Auckland Symphony Orchestra Conductor
Awarded Scroll of Honour


At Sunday afternoon's Family Orchestral Concert, 19 November 2000 at the Aotea Centre, with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, their conductor Gary Daverne was presented with the prestigious Scroll of Honour by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, quote ­ "for his dedication and skill in his craft and for bringing the joy of orchestral music to the people. We acknowledge his achievements and salute his professionalism."
Magician, Jon Zealando, presented the award.

Click to Enlarge
  

American solo accordionist, Mary Tokarski, in rehearsal with the ASO, at the Auckland Town Hall 20 November 2005.
Conductor, Gary Daverne.

The Auckland Symphony is 30 years old.

 

12 year old Korean, solo pianist Jason Bae, with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra conductor Gary Daverne. Amalia Hall (17) in concert with the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, conductor Gary Daverne. Auckland Town Hall, 6 August 2006.
 

Sing Along Christmas Concert, Auckland Symphony Orchestra, conductor Gary Daverne, massed combined choirs and soloists.
Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, THE EDGE.

 
Site constructed and hosted by: Accordions Worldwide at www.accordions.com
© Copyright 2009 Accordions Worldwide
. All rights reserved