Nelson Christ Church Cathedral, 1 Trafalgar Square, Nelson 7010
Presented by Baroque Music Community and Educational Trust of New Zealand
Step into the vivid sound world of the Baroque with an evening of colour, contrast, and expressive storytelling, performed on authentic period instruments in acoustically beautiful venues.
The programme opens with Telemann’s elegant Suite, full of dance rhythms, charm, and wit, followed by Vivaldi’s sparkling Sinfonia RV 719. At the heart of the concert is Vivaldi’s La Notte, a dramatic and imaginative recorder concerto in which Czech soloist Julie Braná brings to life scenes of dreams, storms, and restless nights with breathtaking virtuosity. After the interval, Albicastro’s radiant Concerto in C major offers graceful dialogue between the strings before the concert culminates in Bach’s beloved Orchestral Suite No. 2, featuring the flauto traverso in music of irresistible energy and refined beauty. Together, these works offer an immersive journey into the richness and emotional depth of Baroque music, performed in historically informed style.
At the heart of the tour is internationally acclaimed Czech soloist Julie Braná, joined by an ensemble of leading baroque specialists from New Zealand and abroad. Together, they create a performance that is both historically authentic and strikingly fresh.
Audiences will not only experience Baroque music as it was originally heard in 17th–18th century Europe, but also enjoy the rare chance to meet the musicians and explore the instruments after the performance.
A rare cultural experience blending history, innovation, and world-class artistry—right here in your community.
"Their authenticity of timbre and stylistic delivery was outstanding...billed as vibrant and innovative and certainly impressed." Review by Elizabeth Baumann ODT
JULIE BRANA (baroque flute) internationally acclaimed Czech recorder and baroque flute soloist, performs with leading ensembles across Europe including Concerto Köln, Collegium 1704, and Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin. She is also head of traverso at the Prague Conservatory.
SZABOLCS ILLÉS (baroque violin) has been a concertmaster of the Hof-Musici orchestra, he gives concerts with his own ensemble the Accademia Capricciosa and other baroque ensembles (Dolce Risonanza, Cammermusik Potsdam, Concert Royal Köln) in Germany, Austria, Belgium the Czech Republic and other European countries.
BETHANY ANGUS is a cellist and keyboardist based in Wellington. Following studies in Hamilton and Wellington, she completed a Master of Early Music at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague under Lucia Swarts (cello) and Carole Cerasi (harpsichord). She received the inaugural Toos Onderdenwijngaard Award for the best early music final recital. Bethany now works as a freelance performer and programmer for RNZ Concert.
TOMAS HURNIK (baroque cello) has played with various period instrument groups such as Musica Florea, Capella Regia Prague and Solamente Naturali with which he performed and toured around Europe. He continues to be passionate about period instrument playing and organizes and performs in concerts, workshops and master classes of Baroque music in New Zealand.
RAKUTO KURANO (baroque violin) has been reviewed as a musician with “flair and panache” by the Christchurch Mail, Rakuto Kurano has established himself as a versatile Japanese/New Zealand Performer-Composer. As a multi award-winning performer and composer, he has appeared in many concert halls across the country. Overseas appearances include performances in Japan and Vietnam.
SARA KADAS (baroque viola) is an emerging artist from Christchurch. Sara has been performing with the trust for two years both in the chamber series and in the 10 city concert tour. She just recently returned from Europe from her studies in baroque music and authentic interpretation.
For more info on artists, go to www.baroquemusic.co.nz/artists
Door sales available, cash only.
