Music for silent film to be provided by NZSM graduates

NZSM graduate Johannes Contag has composed a new score for the film 'Variety' in the New Zealand International Film Festival, which will be performed by the SMP Ensemble, a group also made up of NZSM graduates.

Set in Weimar-era Berlin,Variety is 'at once a dazzling celebration of the cabaret milieu and a cautionary tale of the emotional turmoil experienced in love when you want to have your cake and eat it too.' - NZIFF

The score by Johannes Contag was commissioned by NZIFF and the Goethe-Institut, and will be performed by SMP members Fiona McCabe – piano, Mitch McEwen – flute, piccolo, Debbie Rawson – clarinet, Tim Workman –clarinet, bass clarinet, Leni Mäckle – bassoon, Barrett Hocking (tbc) – trumpet, Salina Fisher – violin, Laura Barton – violin, Elyse Dalabakis – viola, Lucy Gijsbers – cello, Simon Eastwood – double bass, and Hannah Neman – percussion, xylophone.

The film will be screened/ performed at the Paramount Cinema 7 August at 1.30pm. Tickets are available on the NZIFF website.