Just hours after thrilling classical music lovers in Oamaru by mingling with the audience after their first show in the town for two years, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra was treated to some reciprocal hospitality when a hotel fire forced the musicians into the streets.
NZSO members and other occupants had to leave the Kingsgate Brydone Hotel in Thames St after the hotel fire alarm was activated about 9.50pm.
The shivering musicians ventured to the neighbouring Fat Sally's Pub and Restaurant for warmth, where they were treated to free drinks while two fire engines from the Oamaru Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the fire.
NZSO South Island representative Christine Hainstock said players were out of the Brydone for about an hour.
''There were clouds of smoke billowing out of the roof, so we knew it wasn't a false alarm.''
She said there were no injuries or incidents, but one soloist had to get her children out of bed and get them outside.
''We were downstairs, some still in their tails and some in their pyjamas, but we went over to Fat Sally's and the owner was fabulous.''
Further hospitality was experienced at the Brydone, where guests were invited to free drinks in the bar.
''So that was a little excitement to end our concert in Oamaru.''
The hospitality shown to the orchestra ''couldn't have happened in a big city'', Mrs Hainstock said.
The orchestra had earlier played a 90-minute concert at the Oamaru Opera House, and opera house director Megan Peacock-Coyle said she was pleased Oamaru had shown such hospitality, because the orchestra had spent an extra hour mingling with the public in the foyer after the concert.
Mrs Hainstock said talking to the concert-goers was something the orchestra would be doing more of.
''That's something that our new CEO has established,'' she said.
''It's such a good feel to the small towns.''
All instruments had already been driven to Timaru a day ahead of the orchestra and had not been in danger, she said.
Chief Fire Officer Steve Couper said the fire was suspected to have started in the hotel kitchen.
It was extinguished quickly and damage was limited to the kitchen area, but smoke had to be removed by fan for about an hour before guests could return to their rooms, he said.
Kingsgate Brydone management could not be contacted for comment.
