The Sounds of Spring - A Classic Recital

Sounds of Spring | A Selection of beloved violin-piano duo repertoire, including Beethoven's iconic Spring Sonata

Rondo in C major, K. 373 (1781) - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
3 Romances, Op. 22 (1853) Clara Schumann (1819–1896)
Selections from Much Ado About Nothing, Op. 11 Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897–1957)
Violin Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24-‘Spring’ Sonata (1800–01) Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Performed by the Francis - Lee Duo

Formed in 2016, Francis-Lee Duo consists of University of Auckland School of Music graduates, violinist Dr Charlotte Francis and pianist Gemma Lee. Both have gained individual successes in chamber music throughout New Zealand and overseas, and are
rapidly gaining recognition locally as an exciting upcoming chamber ensemble. They have performed in various venues across Auckland and Northland, including the Auckland Public Library, The Danish House, Whittaker's Musical Museum, Hokianga Music Society, among many others. Having enjoyed previously working with each other in the University's Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries as administrative staff, the two decided to collaborate musically with long-term professional intentions.

Dr Charlotte Francis, violin
Charlotte Francis grew up in Brisbane and began learning violin at the age of five, studying with Elizabeth Morgan, John Willison and John Curro. Since a young age, Charlotte enjoyed playing chamber music and has performed extensively throughout Australia with her three sisters as a successful string quartet. Following her love of classics and ancient history,

Charlotte completed a of Arts with First Class Honours and a Master of Arts from the University of Queensland. This led to a
scholarship and teaching fellowship at the University of Otago where she gained her PhD in classics with a commentary on Book
10 of Martial’s Epigrams.

During her study, Charlotte taught violin for the Marama Strings Project in association with the University of Otago, and has been performing and teaching in New Zealand ever since. In 2011, Charlotte commenced her Bachelor of Music in violin performance with Stephen Larsen at the University of Canterbury, before moving to Auckland to pursue an Honours degree at the University of Auckland. She has performed in many ensembles nationally, including the Aorangi Symphony Orchestra, Pipers Sinfonia, Dunedin
Symphony Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Hawke’s Bay Orchestra, Hamilton's Opus Orchestra, and at the International Akaroa Summer Music Festival.

Charlotte is a passionate teacher and has been an assistant teacher to Stephen Larsen and Takako Nishizaki. She is also the
Deputy Librarian for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.

Charlotte plays on a violin made in 1740 by Giacomo Zanoli.

Gemma Lee, piano
Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Gemma holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland. She received numerous awards and scholarships during her tertiary studies, including the Anne Bellam Scholarship, University's Arts & Cultural Blues Awards, and the coveted Pettman/ROSL International Chamber Music Scholarship in 2011. She has performed extensively in venues across the United Kingdom and Europe, including at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. As a collaborative pianist, Gemma has performed in masterclasses led by many international talents, including mezzo-soprano
Lucy Schaufer (USA) and oboist Gordon Hunt (UK). A proud resident of the North Shore, she has built a strong connection with the local music scene and is regularly seen accompanying at Opera Factory and Takapuna Grammar School. In 2013, Gemma
collaborated with acclaimed Scottish writer Janice Galloway for the Auckland Writers Competition.