This week, Australian Euphonium player Matthew van Emmerik has been performing Gustav Holst's The Planets with the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand.

Ash Cloud

However, the concerts almost didn't take place due the problems with the drifting ash cloud which made its way from Chile, causing extensive problems with various airlines from Australia and New Zealand. With some quick flight rearranging by management, an alternative flight was made just in time.

Missed Rehearsal

Matthew said: "I missed the first rehearsal on Monday due to the flight issues with Qantas, which was a pity, and the orchestra had organised some school promotion concerts specifically for me which unfortunately had to be postponed."

..the most important thing was getting over here in time for the first schools concert in the Auckland Town Hall and performance of The Planets, which used narration by one of the worlds leading Astronomers.Matthew van Emmerik

"However the most important thing was getting over here in time for the first schools concert in the Auckland Town Hall and performance of The Planets, which used narration by one of the worlds leading Astronomers. In the end, it has all worked out for the best — its always a pleasure to fly over and work with this wonderful orchestra."

There is one more performance for Matthew and the orchestra this week then it is back to Australia — volcano permitting!