Upcoming Events

Miguel Harth-Bedoya | conductor
Augustin Hadelich | violin

Anthony Ritchie | Remember Parihaka
Sibelius | Violin Concerto
Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'

Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya is a familiar face to New Zealand audiences, returning to conduct an offering of time-tested classics.

Anthony Ritchie was inspired to write Remember Parihaka as testament to the plight of Māori at Parihaka, forcibly removed from their Pā, unjustly arrested and imprisoned in 1881.

Augustin Hadelich, one of this generation’s greatest violinists, performs Sibelius’ Violin Concerto. After a disastrous premiere, Sibelius reworked the concerto substantially, removing some of its most difficult sections. Even in this more commonly played revised version, the Concerto remains one of the most difficult works written for violin – while still retaining the power to move, inspire and exhilarate.

Beethoven’s Third Symphony also looms large as a great work. Its effect on 19th-century classical music was cataclysmic; after the Third, the symphony as a form was never the same again.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Join us in October to celebrate and support 16 of New Zealand's best young pianists at the NZ Junior Piano Competition 2020.

From submitted DVD auditions, the NZJPC Preliminary Adjudicator have selected 16 students to participate in the competition. Each competitor will perform a 20-minute recital programme of their choice with at least three musical periods included at the Semi-Final Rounds on Friday 2 October, 9:30am - 5:00pm at the Lewis Eady Showroom in Auckland.

Works by New Zealand composers have been included in several programmes from our semi-finalists, including Tone Clock Piece No. 1 by Jenny McLeod, The Sound of Feeling by Leonie Holmes, and Three Sea Changes, No. 2 by Douglas Lilburn.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Join us at the beautiful Pah Homestead for an Art³ experience of music surrounded by artworks.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Benjamin Northey | chief conductor
Michael Houstoun | piano
Anthony Ferner | flute

Claude Debussy | Lindaraja (arr. Bill Hopkins) *
Felix Mendelssohn | Symphony No 4 “Italian”
Francis Poulenc | Cantilena for Flute (arr. Chris Cree Brown)
Johannes Brahms | Concerto No. 1 for Piano

* NZ premiere

Mendelssohn’s fourth symphony is bursting with exuberance and youthful energy. Inspired by his travels around Italy, it is characterised by bright, sunny melodies and an uplifting freshness.

Also featuring in this programme are two exquisite miniatures, Debussy’s Lindaraja, originally composed for two pianos, and Poulenc’s Cantilena both re-imagined in sensitive arrangements for orchestra.

New Zealand’s foremost pianist, Michael Houstoun, joins the CSO to perform Brahms' magnificent first piano concerto in his final performance with the CSO as he farewells the concert platform.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Presented by Chamber Music New Zealand

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

With players from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra:

Jonathan Cohen | clarinet
Josh Rogan | trumpet
Ingrid Hagan | bassoon
Andrew Beer | violin
Chen Cao | cello
Sarah Watkins | piano

Programme:

Vaughan Williams | Six Studies in English Folk Song
Ben Hoadley | new commission
Shostakovich | Piano Trio No. 1
Florence Price | three miniatures
Stravinsky | The Soldier’s Tale (L’Histoire du soldat)
Martinů | La revue de cuisine (The Kitchen Review)

The roaring ’20s were wild and carefree – a time of dramatic social change that also marked the beginning of the modern music era… filled with risk and adventure.

Jazz, aeroplanes, skyscrapers and the invention of the radio were exciting new developments from an extravagant decade and were certainly reflected in the innovative compositions of that time.

In the shadow of the first world war Vaughan Williams weaved folk songs that sang of a past time; Stalin was tightening his grip on Shostakovich’s Russia as the young composer penned his dramatic first piano trio; and in Paris, the mood was for dance – whether it was the Ballets Russes that so enchanted Stravinsky or the wild evenings that made their way into Martinů’s rollicking take on the tango and Charleston!

This September and October, the chamber music of a bygone era is brought to life by six outstanding performers from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Led by concertmaster Andrew Beer, and playing alongside powerhouse of the piano, Sarah Watkins; prepare for an evening of music bursting with novelty, modernity, and a break with tradition – full of the spirit from a decade rich with contrast.

Amalia Hall | violin
Ashley Brown | cello
Somi Kim | piano

Beethoven | Piano Trio in C minor, op 1, no 3
Christos Hatzis | Old Photographs
Salina Fisher | Kintsugi *
Dinuk Wijeratne | Love Triangle
Ravel | Piano Trio in A minor

* NZTrio commission and world premiere

Described as a ‘national treasure’, the NZTrio have recently appointed two very accomplished new players to complete their line-up, following an international search: violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Somi Kim. This is an exciting opportunity to hear this highly-valued ensemble re-emerge in a new incarnation.

InterFusions begins with Beethoven’s powerful and foreboding C minor trio, an impressive affidavit to his masterful talents. Then we teleport far from Europe into works that are steeped in the diverse cultural backgrounds of their composers. Works by Greek-Canadian Christos Hatzis and Sri Lankan-Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne embrace a brand new work by New Zealander Salina Fisher. Her piece draws inspiration from the Japanese art of “Kintsugi”, where broken ceramic pieces are carefully reassembled, enhancing their inherent strength and beauty. We finish with Ravel’s famous Trio, bearing witness to the clear infusion of his French, Spanish, Basque and Roman Catholic influences.

Giordano Bellincampi | Conductor
Ingrid Fliter | Piano

Leonie Holmes | New work
Schumann | Piano Concerto
Tchaikovsky | Symphony No.4

Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony opens with a stark fanfare which, Tchaikovsky said, represented ‘Fate, that ominous power’, adding ‘There is no alternative but to submit to Fate’. His friend and patron, Mme von Meck, heard ‘profound, terrifying despair’ in this music. True, but it has also passion, drama and ultimately catharsis.

The superb pianist Ingrid Fliter returns with Schumann’s ineffably poetic concerto, and to open the concert, a new work from the multifaceted Auckland composer, and former APO composer-in-residence, Leonie Holmes.

Hamish McKeich | conductor

Eisler | Kleine Sinfonie
Simon Eastwood | Quanta
Weill (arr. Bruckner-Ruggerberg) | Suite from Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny
Satie (arr. Debussy) | Gymnopédies Nos. 1 & 3
Schreker | Kammersymphonie

The final Shed Series concert of 2020 celebrates some of the weird and wonderful music linked to the flourishing cabaret scene of the 1920s and 30s and which continues to inspire composers and delight audiences today.

Austrian composer Hanns Eisler also worked with Weill, and the concert features his sweeping and engrossing Kleine Sinfonie before New Zealand composer Simon Eastwood’s Quanta.

Kurt Weill is best known for his cabaret-era songs with librettist Bertolt Brecht. His Suite from Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny (Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny) is a stunning arrangement by Wilhelm Brückner-Rüggeberg. Rarely performed in New Zealand, it features banjo, bass guitar, saxophone and more, alongside orchestral instruments, to capture the essence of Weill and Brecht’s hit 1930 opera.

Shed Series 2020 concludes with Claude Debussy’s orchestral arrangement of fellow Frenchman Eric Satie’s timeless and hugely influential Gymnopédies Nos. 1 & 3 and Austrian Franz Schreker‘s Kammersymphonie. Written in 1916 Kammersymphonie was ahead of its time and remains a heartfelt and emotive work, anticipating orchestral music’s wide use in film.

Beethoven | Ghost Trio
Mark Anthony Turnage | A Fast Stomp
Sarah Ballard | Prema Lahari
Isang Yun | Piano Trio
Alexander von Zemlinsky | Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 3

Origins opens with Beethoven’s mighty Ghost trio to celebrate his birth a quarter of a millennium ago. Then we celebrate the rebirth of NZTrio, introducing this new line-up with a tour through our cultural and musical backgrounds. Works by Mark Anthony Turnage (UK) and Isang Yun (Korea) envelop a brand new work (and world premiere) by Sarah Ballard (NZ) deeply inspired by Indian culture and music. (How do these works represent us? Come along and find out!) To finish, our attention turns to the worrying global upsurges of separatism and hatred, so the last word comes from Austrian-American Alexander von Zemlinsky whose Jewish-Muslim upbringing inspires understanding and love.

Lewis Eady is delighted to announce NZTrio as our Mystery Guest Ensemble for the final instalment of the Lewis Eady 140th Anniversary Concert Series. NZTrio has long been friends of Lewis Eady and performed in our showroom for our 130th Anniversary in 2010. Join us on Sunday 22 November and let's celebrate together the incredible milestone that is Lewis Eady's 140th Anniversary!

Programme includes works for piano trio by New Zealand composers, Gillian Whitehead and Claire Cowan.

Juanita Hepi | artistic director
Danny Syme | co-director/head trainer
Hamish Oliver | composer

Tūmahana: Exchange is a bilingual (Te Reo Māori and English) performance that offers a glimpse into a past where generations of our tīpuna and ancestors have made their homes in and around the Ngāi Tahu takiwā of Te Waipounamu.

This all ages performance weaves theatre, aerial and visual arts, acrobatics, Toi Māori and Tāonga Pūoro with orchestral music in collaboration with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Christchurch Circus Collective and CSO.