2 March 2000

Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks ends first Summertimes of new millennium with a bang

Saturday 11 March, 7-9pm

North Hagley Park

The traditional end to Summertimes has come around again and this years newly sponsored Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks promises to be as entertaining as ever.

One of Christchurch’s largest outdoor events, Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks will attract over 60,000 people into Hagley Park to enjoy an evening of classical and contemporary music performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, along with a stunning fireworks show.

In this years programme the orchestra will present a wide variety of well known pieces, from Suppe’s Light Cavalry, to Glenn Millers String of Pearls and Rose’s The Stripper.

They will be joined by talented singers Janice Bateman and Colette Chapman performing Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand’s hit Tell Him.

9 year old violinist Michael Wang – lead second violin with the Christchurch School of Music Chamber Strings – will play Vivaldi’s Concerto in A Minor (Movement 1). Audience participation – especially that of Canterbury rugby fans - will be encouraged during Conquest of Paradise by Vangelis, and a whistle-along version of Colonel Bogey.

Appealing to all ages, the Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks will be great opportunity for families to get together and enjoy the spectacle. A Super Screen will be in place to ensure everyone has a good view.

After 9.00pm the sky over Hagley Park will burst into colour as starshell after starshell explodes overhead. It’s an experience not to be missed and a great way to end the Summertime Festival for another year.

Site Information

• Free Secure parking is available near the Armagh St Bridge entrance
• Car parking is available in North Hagley Park for $3.00. The entrance is off the westbound lane of Harper Avenue – gates open at 4pm and close at 11pm.
• Food and refreshments will be available onsite.
• The fireworks area behind the stage is strictly out of bounds before, during and after the concert, and the golf course adjacent is also out of bounds.
• If wet, Rick Armstrong Motors Classical Sparks will be held the following evening.

For further information please contact Michelle Beckett, Events Team Leader at 9418 842