Small Music Ensemble
Small Music Ensemble
June 07, 2017 at 3:52 PM
With thanks to Head of Middle College Music, Mr Oliver Gilmour
In preparation for the upcoming Auckland round of the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Competition, a number of our jazz and classical musicians from the College came together to showcase their talent for the Saint Kentigern community last week. In a dress rehearsal type situation, it created a perfect opportunity for the groups to perform in front of an audience and shake any nerves prior to the competition that runs this week.
The Chamber Music Programme, coordinated by Middle School Head of Music, Mr Oliver Gilmour, has a record number of groups involved this year; it’s pleasing to see the continuous expansion of the programme.
The evening started with our Saint Kentigern Flute Ensemble who performed an amazing rendition of Symphony No. 5 (1st Movt) by L. V. Beethoven; transcribed for 4-part flutes and piano by Brett Thompson.Next to step into the limelight was a first for the ensemble evening, a Piano Accordion Trio. It was fantastic to see this unique instrument added to the programme after welcoming Mr Lionel Reekie, as a piano accordion teacher. The trio performed the well-known ‘Canon in’ by Pachelbel, as well as, ‘Adios Nonino’ by the Argentinian composer, Piazzolla.
The College has so many talented, young pianists and it is becoming a challenge for the Music Department to find Chamber Groups for all of them. To resolve it, there were two groups of three pianists put together, all playing from the same piano. A unique performance by Senior Six Hands and Junior Six Hands; its fantastic to see how all can collaborate to produce some excellent music. After the interval, the Percussion Ensemble took to the stage and performed a rendition of ‘Lost Souls’, written by the prominent percussionist, composer and educator, Nathan Daughtrey and their second piece was ‘Pompeii’ by Bastille.
The final group to perform was the Kartoffel Trio, made up of Catherine Chang, Masha Pavlenko and Esther Oh. These Year 9 and 10 students attend the Pettman National Junior Academy of Music, operated in conjunction with the University of Auckland School of Music. The Academy is a unique programme in New Zealand that offers young musicians the chance to challenge themselves and develop their skills in a supportive environment, surrounded by people with outstanding musical talent. It is fantastic to see these students receiving this specialist coaching through the Academy.
From a flute to violin, a saxophone ensemble to a string trio, we saw a wide range of spectacular talent. Good Luck to all the students who are performing in the Chamber Music Competition at Epsom Girls Grammar School from June 7-9.
Chamber Music Competition Dates
Held at Epsom Girls Grammar School
Wednesday 7th June
5.30pm-7.30pm
Moszkowski Trio
Thursday 8th June
4.45pm-6.15pm
Senior Six Hands
Friday 9th June
9.30am-12.00pm
Double Reed Trio, Saint Kentigern Sax Ensemble, Saint Kentigern Flute Ensemble, St Kent’s String Trio, Saint Kentigern Sax Quartet, Piano Accordion Trio, Arne Quartet, Head’s Up, Saint Kentigern Trio, Trilogy
Friday 9th June
7.00pm-8.30pm
Kartoffel Trio
