Embrace your inner wanderer when the Bay of Plenty Symphonia performs ‘Gypsy!' at Tauranga's Baycourt Community and Arts Centre this April.

Conducted by music director Justus Rozemond, the Symphonia will be joined by two great soloists - popular local soprano Anna Hawkins and talented young violinist Brigitte Balzat.

Bay of Plenty Symphonia. Photo: File.

Symphonia president Maggie Gething says it will be a very entertaining orchestral concert with a gypsy theme, featuring a variety of musical favourites and a few less well-known pieces.

'Anna's flair for both classical and crossover repertoire will be evident in her characterful portrayal of Bizet's Carmen, perhaps the best known of all musical gypsy girls,” says Maggie.

'Less frequently heard are Dvorak's wonderfully expressive Gypsy Songs, though many in the audience will know Songs My Mother Taught Me and will love Anna's interpretation of this evocative melody.”

Maggie says Brigitte will play 'two famous and showy” gypsy violin pieces – Monti's Czárdás and Sarasate's Gypsy Airs.

She adds: 'While the names of these pieces may not be well-known to everyone, the music is instantly recognisable!”

The Symphonia will accompany Anna and Brigitte in their performances and will also contribute some popular pieces for orchestra.

The full programme includes Strauss' Overture Zigeunerbaron,four pieces from Dvorak's Gypsy Songs, two arais from Bizet's Carmen, Monti's Cszardas, Sarasate's Zigeunerweisen, Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, Bartok's Rumanian Folk Dances, andBrahms' Hungarian Dances No. 1,5,7,8.

The Bay of Plenty Symphonia presents ‘Gypsy!' with soloists Anna Hawkins and Brigette Balzat at Rotorua's Civic Theatre on April 18 and Tauranga's Baycourt Community and Arts Centre on April 19.

For information on ticket costs and where to purchase visit the Symphonia's website at: www.bopsymphonia.org.nz

Anna Hawkins. Photo: Carla Van de Veen/annahawkins.co.nz

Brigitte Balzat. Photo: youtube.com