Music, food and wine lovers were treated to a magical evening at the finale of the Visa Wellington on a Plate 2014 season at Palliser Estate Wines in Martinborough last night.
The evening was quite simply a joy for everyone lucky enough to be there – a feast of gorgeous wines, delicious food and wonderful music played in Palliser’s barrel hall by members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Conductor Hamish McKeitch led his musicians in a witty and beautifully chosen programme including Richard Strauss’ ‘Brass Fanfare’, Handel’s ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’, HYPERLINK “https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mozart/106554719381817″Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 and HYPERLINK “https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leopold-Mozart/113973575283062″Leopold Mozart’s much-loved ‘Toy Symphony’.
The Toy Symphony featuring six novelty instruments: a trumpet and drum, cuckoo, nightingale, rattle, triangle, quail – played con brio by guests from the audience including locals residents Robin Lockie (drum), Gerald Hensley (triangle), Winifred Bull (rattle) and Jo Crabb (recorder) .
Nick Arnold of Café Medici and his superb team of chefs and waiting staff swiftly served a magnificent Spring inspired four-course meal for 160 people.
Palliser Estate wines opened with their famous Methode Traditionelle bubbles and served all their wines including pinot noir from a very special year 2013.
As one winemaker in the audience said – “the wine in these barrels can only have been enriched by tonight’s experience. I’ll be looking to buy when it’s released!”
In the closeness of the barrel hall, orchestra and audience were all one. With an inkling of the level of teamwork, style and imagination required from everyone in Palliser, the NSZO and Nick Arnold Catering to pull such a feat together so brilliantly, we salute you. Please do it again next year!
