Welcome to the September Newsletter: NCMA
We are excited to have the Argyle Trio with us tomorrow. Come out and enjoy one of the precious few events we have in Level 2. Tickets still available to see Wilma Smith, Michael Houstoun and Matthias Balzat.
The Argyle Trio comes together from opposite ends of the earth and opposite career stages to enjoy their unique musical chemistry.
Violinist, Wilma Smith, needs no introduction to New Zealand audiences. She was founding 1st violinist of the NZ String Quartet, Concertmaster of the NZSO then Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Based in Melbourne, Wilma is curator of her own chamber music series, Wilma & Friends, 2nd violinist of the Flinders Quartet, Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition and Co-Artistic Director of the Martinborough Music Festival.
Matthias Balzat, one of New Zealand’s most successful young cellists, is currently studying in Dusseldorf with Pieter Wispelweij. His many 1st prizes include the National Concerto Competition (twice), Performer of the Year, International Wallace Cello Competition, Royal Overseas League Scholarship, Robert Schumann University Concerto Competition (Germany) and when he was only 16, 2nd prize at the Gisborne International Music Competition.
Michael Houstoun is a Laureate of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand and was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services as a pianist in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday and Diamond Jubilee Honours in New Zealand. Born in Timaru, he began playing the piano at age 5 and went on to study under Sister Mary Eulalie in Dunedin and in his mid-teens began to study with Maurice Till in Christchurch. While still in his teens, Houstoun won every New Zealand piano competition before making his name in international contests.
Programme:
Beethoven Piano Trio in Eb major Op. 1 No. 1
Ravel Piano Trio in A minor
Beethoven Piano Trio in Bb Major Op. 97 “Archduke”
Kia ora koutou
We’re just putting the finishing touches to the 2022 Adam Summer Celebration so that we can share it with you all on Friday 1 October.
Remember, we’ll be announcing the full programme, with Concert Passes on sale from 9am. A Concert Pass gives you the same seat to every concert in the Summer Celebration. Single Tickets go on sale on Friday 15 October 2021.
Concert Passes will be available from 9am on Friday 1 October:
– online at www.music.org.nz
– in person from Nelson Centre of Musical Arts Box Office
– via phone at NCMA 03 548 9477
One more programme reveal for the 2022 Adam Summer Celebration
We can’t wait to welcome harpist Helen Webby
Helen last performed at Adam Festival in 2015, and it will be lovely to have her back at Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.
As Principal Harp with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Helen relishes every opportunity to come out of the back of the orchestra and play her beautiful Concert harp, made by her brother Kim Webby.
“I’m very excited to be part of the ensemble for next year’s Adam Summer Celebration, really looking forward to playing some gorgeous Romantic music for harp and strings, and playing some of my favourite solo pieces to an enthusiastic audience.”
We always like to ask our artists who inspires them, and top of Helen’s list is Harpo Marx. “Harpo never spoke on screen, but was a brilliant mime artist, and absolutely flamboyant harpist.” A great excuse to revisit all those classic Marx Brothers’ films!
New Zealand String Quartet
NZTrio
Ipu Laga’aia
Diedre Irons
Helen Webby
Recapping on our 2022 artists
Just to remind you of the artists we’ve already announced for our Summer Celebration – New Zealand String Quartet, NZTrio, Ipu Laga’aia, Diedre Irons and now, Helen Webby.
They’re already a delightful combination of extraordinary talent and musicianship, and we still have another nine artists to announce on Friday 1 October.
And then of course, we’ll also be revealing the full programme on that same day – it’s exciting to think of the wondrous collaborations that will grace the stage in February.
Nurturing our musicians of the future
If you know a budding young artist, please do encourage them to apply to the 28th Annual Adam Summer School for Chamber Music (12-20 February 2022). Presented by New Zealand String Quartet, and generously sponsored by the Adam Foundation, this is an incredible opportunity for young string and piano players. The 2022 School will have Diedre Irons as guest pianist-in-residence. Applications open now until 29 October. Information here.
Updates on our Adam whānau
We’re focussing on our 2022 artists, starting with the above video of Diedre Iron’s 2020 performance at the fortepiano, of CPE Bach’s Concerto No. 4 in C Minor, with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Recorded at Alan Gibbs Hall, Wellington College. Enjoy.
New Zealand String Quartet are still hoping to be able to reschedule some of their 2021 National Tour. All the details and updates (and tickets) are on their website.
“Expect to be affected”, say NZTrio of their performances. While we wait to see if their 2021 dates for the Dramatic Skies series can be rescheduled, watch an interview they did last year with Marty Duda for The 13th Floor. Marty’s a bit out of his depth, but the performances are lovely.
Earlier this year, Ipu Laga’aia was touring New Zealand with the vocal quartet, The Shades. There’s an excellent interview on RNZ – complete with songs. The Shades use their classical training to create a sweet sound, from operatic aria through to contemporary tunes. Their upbringing in Polynesian churches is a cornerstone for the group and they finish each concert with a hymn as a homage to their first experiences with music.
And to finish off, here’s an exquisite performance of Mark Smythe’s Persephone, led by Pepe Smythe with Helen Webby on harp
MARK SMYTHE: Persephone from SOUNZ on Vimeo.
The full programme for the 2022 Adam Summer Celebration will be announced on Friday 1 October. The four days (3-6 February) will feature afternoon and evening performances, masterclasses, and opportunities to meet the performers,
all at Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.
Important dates
Adam Summer Celebration 2022
3-6 February 2022
– 1 October 2021: Full programme announced & Concert Passes on sale
– 15 October 2021: Single Tickets on sale
Adam Chamber Music Festival 2023
February 2023
Join us on FaceBook for updates as they come to hand.
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