20 April 2018 - 0 Comments

One of the most important projects in New Zealand’s music history – ENZSO – is being recreated to celebrate its 21st anniversary. Also celebrating NZ Music Month, hear the unforgettable Split Enz songs in ENZO at the glorious Civic in Auckland and Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch for one night only.

Inspired by Split Enz keyboardist Rayner's original project ENZSO (the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's 1996 Split Enz collaboration), this 21st anniversary event is another evolutionary moment in the history of an iconic repertoire of Split Enz hits including I See Red, Six Months in a Leaky Boat and Message to My Girl.

This time with a smaller orchestral backing of 10 people to retain the ‘groove’, plus three vocalists and a rock rhythm section of bass and drums as well as lead guitar, the sound is lush and full, but still manages to capture the punk pop buzz of the Enz.

Rayner leads his “ENZEMBLE', including four members of Split Enz (Eddie, Mike Chunn, Paul Crowther and Michael Barker) together with a group of NZ’s finest musicians, brass and string sections, and guest vocalists Rima Te Wiata (Hunt For The Wilderpeople), Rikki Morris and Phil Madsen.

What is ENZSO

An orchestral project started by former Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner, combining the talents of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with contemporary pop singers to perform Split Enz songs. Eddie wanted something more from the old Split Enz songs, and doing orchestral arrangements seemed perfect. With conductor Peter Scholes, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Dave Dobbyn, Annie Crummer, Sam Hunt, Neil Finn, Tim Finn and the New Zealand Youth Choir, they recorded and released their first album in 1996 simply titled ENZSO. The original project was so successful it spawned a second ENZSO 2 in 1999 and a film of the collaboration by director Justin Pemberton called ENZSO: Dirty Creature.

About Eddie Rayner

Rayner’s unique keyboard sounds, arrangements and playing style was a trademark of the Split Enz sound, helping to enshrine the band as one of New Zealand’s most successful ever.

Following the disbanding of Split Enz in 1985, Rayner went on to play keyboards for Crowded House and Paul McCartney, Following the disbanding of Split Enz in 1985, Rayner went on to play keyboards for Crowded House and Paul McCartney, and in the 90s he conceived, arranged and produced the highly acclaimed and successful EnzSo project, which spawned a multi-platinum album and highly successful national tours across Australia and NZ.

Now an acclaimed music producer, Rayner has continued to collaborate with artists locally and abroad on a range of projects, as well as being Music Director on NZ Idol. Using his experience and expertise to carefully rework Split Enz’s beloved hits for his talented ‘Enzemble’, the audience are in safe hands with ENZO: The Songs of Split Enz.

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