‘Elan’ – a simple sounding word that means liveliness, flash and panache; an enthusiastic and unique flair. With this trio of New Zealand musicians, the elan will be guaranteed.
The electrifying new ensemble comprising three of New Zealand’s leading chamber musicians: violinist Donald Armstrong, saxophonist Simon Brew and pianist Sarah Watkins.
Sarah Watkins is best known in New Zealand as a founding member of NZTrio. She has been an official pianist for the Michael Hill International Competition since its inception in 2001. She regularly appears as a freelance player in the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. She is a graduate of the University of Canterbury and the The Juilliard School (NY).
Donald Armstrong is Associate Concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He was formerly Principal Second Violin of the Tivoli Sinfoniorkester in Denmark and Co-Concertmaster of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Nice in France. He was Music Director of the NZ Chamber Orchestra since its inception in 1987 until 2000.
Simon Brew graduated from the ArtEZ Conservatorium, Netherlands, with a Masters in classical saxophone, where he won the prestigious Grachten Festival Conservatorium Competition, Amsterdam and the Artez Kunstnacht Competition for top graduating student. He performs regularly as Principal Saxophonist for the NZSO and Orchestra Wellington. and has played with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Netherlands National Orchestra, and the Netherlands Blazers Ensemble among others.
The concert is presented by Cromwell & Districts Community Arts Council (artscentral) in association with Chamber Music NZ.
Details:
When: Wednesday 7 April
Where: Coronation Hall, Bannockburn
Tickets: Adults $35, Seniors $30, Students $5 available from www.artscentral.co.nz
