The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will be busy recording the music for The Hobbit to play their own concerts. New Zealand’s national orchestra has axed a series of classical concerts because they will be recording the soundtrack of the film’s second installment.

In July, it was announced that the orchestra has been asked to record the music for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Peter Jackson’s second instalment film of The Hobbit novel by J.R.R. Tolkien.

“We feel very lucky and excited to be able to work with the extraordinary talents of the NZSO in this world class auditorium as Howard Shore once again journeys into Middle Earth,” Jackson said in a statement then.

The group also recorded the track for Howard Shore’s score for The Lord of The Rings in 2001. They are expected to record again in September at the Wellington Town Hall.

But their participation in Jackson’s film means that they won’t have time for other projects slated for September anymore. The orchestra postponed their Heights of Passion concert series so they can work on the film.

The concert series was originally expected to take place in Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland.

“There have been a few noisy constituents as you’d expect, but overwhelmingly the public support is in favour of The Hobbit,” NZSO publicity manager Trudy Shannon has been quoted by the NZ Herald as saying.

“People who have had this situation explained to them can see the financial benefits of a six-week full-time recording over a four-concert tour.”

Ticket-holders for the concert series have been offered credits, refunds, or tickets to NZSO’s other performances around the country.

Filming for the entire The Hobbit” film trilogy has just been concluded in July in New Zealand, with Jackson posting updates and photos on their Facebook page.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug stars Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, Evangeline Lilly, and Benedict Cumberbatch. It will hit theatres on Dec 13, 2013.

Trailer for The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug:

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