Tchaikovsky to Triathlons

Principal Timpanist, Mark La Roche will soon be swapping the concert hall stage for the rigours of endurance sport by competing in this year’s Iron Man being held in Taupo.

The race consists of a 3.8km swim in Lake Taupo, a 180km bike to Reporoa and a 42.2km run around Lake Taupo foreshore, a grand total of 226kms which is the equivalent distance from Christchurch to Tekapo.

In addition to the exhilaration of completing this challenge, Mark will be fundraising for the refurbishment of the new CSO rehearsal space. As a long term, player of the CSO, Mark knows only too well the challenges that the orchestra has faced over the last year. Not only has our regular performance venue, the Christchurch Town Hall been out of action since February 2011 regular and suitable rehearsal space has proved extremely difficult.

“Moving in to our own rehearsal hall has been a crucial development for the orchestra. In the past year the CSO has been rehearsed at school and community halls throughout Christchurch, frequently without adequate lighting or heating, packing in and out for every rehearsal and from a personal point of view, being prevented from practicing on the CSO Timpani. Having our own rehearsal facility puts us back on a professional footing and sets us up brilliantly for the exciting times ahead.”
commented La Roche

In late 2011 the Management of the CSO moved into an office and warehouse space in Hornby which will house both administration and the orchestra. However the building does need considerable work in order to become suitable for rehearsals. The project will include acoustic treatment, carpeting, heating and some building work to the ceiling and walls.

Once completed the space will not only become the permanent rehearsal space for the CSO but will be utilised by other arts organisations. By sponsoring Mark on his athletic endeavours you can directly support the refurbishment of the orchestra’s rehearsal rooms.