Vieux Amis (“Old Friends”) brings together three friends, neighbours and long-standing colleagues. Violinist, Justine Cormack, cellist, James Bush, and pianist, Sarah Watkins, all grew up together in Christchurch, and their bonds run deep.

Justine and James grew up across the road from each other, learning music together at the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music. There, as teenagers, Sarah and Justine first played chamber music together. The bond carried them into their careers—Sarah and James toured with CMNZ in 1996, and they first performed in this trio configuration in 1997. Justine and Sarah went on to work closely together as founding members of the NZTrio. James took a different tack, his fascination with the freedom and energy of baroque performance practice leading him to work with many of Europe’s top baroque orchestras and ensembles.

Vieux Amis present a programme that marries their diverse areas of expertise, cohering as a concert of vim and elegance. The links between Bach, Pärt and Shostakovich could not be clearer.

The first half of the programme has a strong baroque flavour with careful modern comments. We hear different combinations of instruments here, the poise and transparency setting the stage for the fullness of Shostakovich’s powerful second piano trio in the second half.

In association with CMNZ.

Arvo PÄRT | Für Alina, solo piano

Joh Seb BACH | Viola de Gamba Sonata in D Major, cello and piano

Arvo PÄRT | Mozart Adagio for violin, cello and piano

Joh Seb BACH | Sonata in E major for violin with continuo BWV1016

—interval—

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH (1906–1975) | Prelude and Fugue in E minor, op 87 no 4

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH | Piano Trio no 2 in E minor op 67

Date: Saturday 28 August 2021
Time: 6pm
Venue: Turner Centre, Auditorium
Tickets: $40 Adults | $30 Friends | 18 & under Free
Note: For Friends tickets please add tickets to your cart then enter pre-issued code to apply discount. 18 & under tickets ONLY available at Turner Centre Box Office.