ARMSTRONG JACOB TRIO FEATURING JIAN LIU : 6 March | 7.30pm                                                    

The Armstrong Jacobs Liu Trio is an electrifying ensemble made up of three of New Zealand's leading chamber musicians: violinist Donald Armstrong, French horn Samuel Jacobs and pianist Jian Liu. Donald Armstrong is Associate Concertmaster of the NZ Symphony Orchestra and a well-known recitalist and chamber musician in New Zealand.  Samuel Jacobs, formerly principal horn of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London, has recently returned as Principal horn of the NZ Symphony Orchestra. Jian Liu, well known to audiences in New Zealand, is an internationally regarded pianist and Head of Piano Studies at the NZ School of Music.

The programme centres around Johannes Brahms’ sumptuous Horn Trio, the most famous piece written for this combination. The programme also features a new work by well-known NZ composer Anthony Ritchie. This new work is inspired by the Brahms Horn Trio and is a New Zealander’s take on the exciting combination of violin, horn and piano. The common thread is childhood experience, which Anthony has explored in recent works such as his Symphony No.5. This unexpected line-up of violin, horn and piano, embraces especially the beauties and origins of the French horn. From its hunting origins to the beautiful lyrical melodies that Brahms creates, the Brahms Horn trio is a true master work.  We will see what this combination lends itself to for composer Anthony Ritchie, and the artists will offer some solo pieces to round out this beautiful programme. Prepare to be excited, mesmerised and enchanted as these top musicians embark on this exciting programme.

In conjunction with Chamber Music NZ

Beethoven-Sonata for Horn and Piano in F Major, Op. 17

Clara Schumann - Romance for Violin and Piano, Op. 22

Anthony Ritchie - New Commission

Johannes Brahms - Trio in E-flat major for Horn, Violin, and Piano, Opus 40

AROHA STRING TRIO:  3 APRIL | 7.30pm

Acclaimed as demonstrating "accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity" (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Trio is firmly established as one of New Zealand's finest chamber music ensembles. Founded in 2004, this versatile Wellington-based trio is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovation. Haihong Liu and Zhongxian Jin are original members of the Aroha Quartet. Robert Ibell joined the group in 2009.

The main works in the programme, two wonderful Serenades for String Trio by Dohnányi and by Beethoven, give the concert its name. A sparkling trio movement by Schubert, a gorgeous short work from 2021 by Aotearoa composer Salina Fisher, and the witty String Trio (1933) by Jean Françaix complete the programme.

Beethoven - Serenade for String Trio in D, Op 8 (23’)

Françaix - String Trio (16’)

Schubert - String Trio in B-flat, D471 (9’)

Fisher - Mata-Au (8’)

Dohnányi - Serenade for String Trio in C, Op 10 (21’)

DOUBLE SHOT: 22 MAY | 7.30pm                                                                                                                   

Formed in 2015, Double Shot provides a colourful mixture of percussion instruments based around marimba and vibraphone. The duo is comprised of Yoshiko Tsuruta, marimba and percussion Jeremy Fitzsimons, vibraphone and percussion and their strength lies in the wonderfully subtle variety of their performances and the rich, mellow resonance of their instruments.

This engaging concert begins with a set of playful, lively crowd-pleasers by contemporary composers, including New Zealanders John Psathas and Briar Prastiti, whose new commission Double Shot are delighted to premiere. The second half is dedicated to Debussy’s exquisite storytelling through his ballet score La boîte à joujoux (The Toy Box) which has been arranged for Double Shot by Yoshiko Tsuruta.

In conjunction with Chamber Music NZ

John Psathas (arr. Omar Carmenates) Muisca I. Soledad II. Chia III. El Dorado

Alyssa Weinberg Table Talk

Michael Taylor Rhapsody for Vibraphone and Marimba

Briar Prastiti new commission

Claude Debussy (arr. Yoshiko Tsuruta) La boîte à joujoux (The Toy Box) I. Prelude: Le sommeil de la boîte (The Sleep of the Toy Box) II. Tableau 1: Le magasin de jouets (The Toy Shop) III. Valse: Danse de poupée (Doll’s Waltz) IV. Tableau 2: Le champ de bataille (The Battlefield) V. Tableau 3: La bergerie a vendre (The Sheepfold for Sale) VI. Tableau 4: Après fortune faite (After Making a Fortune) VII. Epilogue

AKARANA PIANO QUARTET: 28 AUGUST | 7.30pm                                                    

This ensemble encompasses four distinct solo voices coming together as one in an intense, exhilarating concert to lift the spirits. The overall experience is one of rich, vibrant storytelling, connecting the key figures of European music with Aotearoa New Zealand – an opportunity for audiences to celebrate intimate music making of the highest quality from world-class musicians.

Award-winning musicians Andrew Beer, violin, and Sarah Watkins, piano (Best Classical Artist 2020, NZ Music Awards) have formed Ākarana Piano Quartet for debut performances in 2023. They will be joined by two outstanding colleagues from the APO – principal violist Robert Ashworth and sub-principal cellist Chen Cao.

In conjunction with Chamber Music NZ

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Piano Quartet no 1 in G minor, K478 I. Allegro II. Andante III. Rondo: Allegro

Frank Bridge Phantasie Quartet in F sharp minor, H94 I. Andante con moto II. Allegro vivace III. Tempo dell' introduzione: Andante con moto

Janet Jennings new commission after Paul Klee’s New Harmony

Antonín Dvořák Piano Quartet no 2 in E flat Major, op 87 I. Allegro con fuoco II. Lento III. Allegro moderato, grazioso IV. Finale: Allegro ma non troppo

WILMA SMITH AND THE ARGYLE TRIO: 11 SEPTEMBER | 7.30pm                                                                                            

Renown violinist Wilma Smith, brilliant young Aussie pianist Laurence Matheson and Cellist Matthias Balzat bring a wonderful musical experience that we’ll all remember and treasure. 

Beethoven Op 1 No 3

Smetana Op 15

Dvorak Op 90 "Dumky"

VOICES NZ CHAMBER CHOIR: 9 OCTOBER | 7.30pm                                                                                                                 

An eight-piece choir from Voices NZ Chamber Choir: New Zealand’s premier professional Chamber Choir.