The Motueka Music Group turns 50 this year and you know the saying – ’50 is the new 30’ – they are just as active and passionate about bringing good music to Motueka as ever.
This month is no exception, with an afternoon concert on 23 August which is a collaboration of two exceptional artists, both of whom have been part of significant ensembles and orchestras in NZ and internationally in their own right.
Yanghe Yu will play the violin alongside Sarah Watkins on the piano and their programme will delight a wide audience.
The concert will bring pieces from just four composers, all born in the 1800s and living into the 19th century.
The Suite Italienne by Stravinsky is apparently a ‘mashup’ of 18th century composers. Stravinsky decided he needed to spice them up and the result is a set of charming and brilliant character pieces.
Sibelius was composing through the First World War. As musicians were being called to the front, they needed pieces that required fewer instruments and he met the call, producing Five Pieces for Violin and Piano, op 81.
Bartók then brings a group of Hungarian folk dances. He was a composer and a pianist and also an ethnomusicologist and his original pieces are recognised as treasures, preserving traditional aspects of the folk music of Hungary.
The final composer is Saint-Saëns with Sonata no 1 in D minor, op 75, apparently epic in scale and a brilliant duo for both piano and violin.
Violinist Yanghe Yu is currently serving as the concertmaster of Bach Musica NZ, and concertmaster of Hawkes Bay Orchestra. As an orchestral musician his journey covers many major organisations with national and international reputation, such as San Francisco Symphony Orchestra (2014-2015), New World Symphony (2015-2016), acting associate principal 2nd violin of Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, guest artist of Waikato Symphony Orchestra and guest concertmaster of Christchurch Symphony Orchestra (2023).
Sarah Watkins is an accomplished pianist performing chamber music concerts both as a soloist and with orchestras and groups across a successful career, both nationally and internationally.
The concert is on at the user-friendly time of 2pm on Saturday 23 August at the Motueka Chanel Arts Centre. Tickets ($25 adults, $5 schoolchildren) can be purchased at Motueka Floral Studio (cash only) or at the door on the night of the concert (cash or EFTPOS).
