Mark Hadlow is taking a step off the screen and into the concert hall.
Best known for his roles in The Hobbit series and King Kong, Mark will help premiere the family-friendly concert “Midwinter Tales” with the Opus Orchestra.
(L-R) Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy and William Kircher. Photo: RNZ
He will be narrating a new adaption of Stravinsky’s famous Pulcinella Suite.
“[it’s a] great way to communicate to people that aren’t classical fans,” he says.
Along with his film and theatre background, he also has been involved with music since he was young.
Mark Hadlow Photo: supplied
Mark talks about his five favourite classical pieces, beginning with the Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell.
“It has a wonderful story to it,” he says. He mentions how it was written during World War II when Warsaw suffered hugely, and how the music represents that time well.
Next on the list is Aoraki by Gareth Farr. He said when he heard it, “it sent shivers down my spine. It’s so tingly”.
Aoraki/Mt Cook Photo: Flickr / Nathanael Coyne
the Italian opera Cavilleria Rusticana by Mascagi also resonates with him.
Mark says it’s a sentimental piece that helps him think about things that are very important in his life and the family he has lost.
Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber is another famous favourite of Mark’s.
He really fell in love with the piece when watching the Charlie Sheen film, Platoon.
“It reminds you of how good classical music can be,” he says
One last piece that he likes is Gabriels Oboe by Ernio Morricone. It’s the main theme for the 1986 film The Mission. In 2010 New Zealand soprano Hayley Wesentra was encouraged by the composer to write English lyrics to it.
