Ah September – the air is warmer and the days are longer and thought of coming to a chamber music concert an absolute treat and a way to welcome in the spring.
This month’s concert brings the Argyle Trio to Motueka playing Mendelssohn, Haydn, and Brahms, trusted composers in the hands of trusted artists.
The Trio of violin, piano, and cello was formed by Wilma Smith who describes herself as “proudly Pasifika, Fiji-born and bred and New Zealand raised, and fortunate to have spent my entire career immersed in service to one of humanity’s greatest achievements, western classical music.”
She gives some credit for her remarkable career as a violinist to “Mr. Wilson”, her enlightened primary school teacher, who believed every child should play an instrument.
“I was a rarity, a brown-skinned child playing the violin.”
Her accomplishments and collaborations are vast, including playing alongside Michael Houston, as they are equally for her fellow trio members.
New Zealander Matthias Balzat is described by Smith as a ‘brilliant young cellist’ and her Australian colleague, pianist Laurence Matheson who is in demand across his country as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative pianist.
All three are based in Australia now and are touring New Zealand following a very successful Australian tour.
The Motueka Music group is very proud to bring such a high calibre of musicianship to Motueka this and every month, continuing to make it accessible and with the key notes of professionalism, informality and friendliness that have guided the group for the past 50 years.
The performance is on at the Motueka Chanel Arts Centre, Tuesday 23 September, 7.30pm. 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/EFTPOS).
