Chamber Music NZ | Trio Élan (Cromwell)

Additional performances:

March 28th (Whangārei)
April 8th (Christchurch)
April 9th (Motueka)
April 11th (Waikanae)
April 12th (Upper Hutt)
April 17th (Warkworth)
April 18th (Wellington)

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Donald Armstrong | violin
Simon Brew | saxophone
Sarah Watkins | piano

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Programme:

Russ Peterson | Trio for Alto Saxophone, Violin & Piano
Peter Liley | “Deux Images” for Trio
Debussy | Violin Sonata in G minor
Albeniz | Evocación (piano solo)
Barry Cockcroft | Beat Me (sax solo)
Marc Eychenne | Cantilene and Dance
Gareth Farr | Meditation (sax and piano)
Piazzolla | Otono Porteno
Gareth Farr | Tango: Un Verano de Passion

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Trio Élan is an electrifying new ensemble made up of three of New Zealand’s leading chamber musicians: violinist Donald Armstrong, saxophonist Simon Brew and pianist Sarah Watkins. In a rare and exclusive programme which showcases the dynamic and seductive sounds of three wildly different instruments, audiences will be swept along by colourful and jazzy music from France, New Zealand, Argentina and the US.

Since Adolf Sax invented the saxophone in the 1840s, composers have been captivated by its magical sound and have combined it with many other instruments. Debussy and Ravel incorporated its beautiful sweetness in their impressionist music, influencing such contemporary composers as Algerian-born Marc Eychenne. The saxophone lies at the heart of newer styles such as jazz, dance, and pop music, and the violin and piano have taken to these new styles with ease.

Trio Élan’s novel line-up of violin, saxophone and piano beautifully create evocative sounds, catchy contemporary rhythms and soaring melodies. Prepare to be mesmerised, enchanted and entertained as these three top musicians unleash this exciting programme.

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