Igor Stravinsky

I still vividly remember his somewhat stooped figure making his way on to the rostrum, then spreading his arms out so that from the stalls he resembled an eagle in flight ... not only did he conduct without a score or a baton, but for most of the time his hands were clenched. Even now the memory of it still gives me goosebumps!

– Radio New Zealand listener Barbara remembers Igor Stravinsky's unique style as a conductor, RNZ website, 6 March 2017

There’s no more fitting description of the excited atmosphere in the Auckland Town Hall as we waited for Stravinsky — Stravinsky himself! — to appear, than ’electric’. It seemed that magic was in the air and when the magician himself brought his Firebird to life, the effects of the spell he cast have lasted with me to this day.

– Radio New Zealand listener John remembers the thrill of seeing Igor Stravinsky live in 1961, RNZ website, 6 March 2017