Wilma's Friends

This concert, which promises to be one of the highlights of the Waikanae Music Society season, was originally planned for Sunday 13 September but postponed because of Level 2 restrictions. It will now be held on Labour Day, Monday 26 October. Originally titled “Wilma and Friends” this concert was the brainchild of well-known violinist Wilma Smith. Wilma has a long and warm relationship with Waikanae Music Society dating back to the early days of the New Zealand String Quartet when she was their founding leader. Unfortunately, because she lives in Melbourne, she is unable to travel to New Zealand at this time. Her colleagues, however, have rallied round to ensure that the concert can continue by recruiting violinist Martin Riseley, Head of Strings at the NZ School of Music, to replace her. As a tribute to Wilma they have chosen to change the title of the concert to “Wilma’s Friends” – a gesture that Wilma herself finds amusing and rather touching.

Pianist Jian Liu (pictured), Head of Piano at the NZ School of Music. has earned an international reputation as a sought-after solo pianist, chamber musician, and educator. Joining Martin and Jian are two prominent NZSO musicians, Andrew Joyce (cello) and Nicholas Hancox (viola).

Their programme is unashamedly romantic, opening with the charming little one-movement Mahler quartet, written when the composer was only 15 or 16 years of age. It is followed by Schumann’s much-loved Piano Quartet (possibly the most popular piano quartet in the repertoire). The second part of the concert features the well-known Piano Quartet No 2 in Eb by Dvořák .

The concert, in the Waikanae Memorial Hall, starts at 2;30pm. Door sales will be available or tickets can be purchased at Waikanae New World, Moby Dickens Books in Paraparaumu Beach or through the website. Phone enquiries to 04 293 4025.

Programme:
Mahler Piano Quartet in A minor
Schumann: Piano Quartet in Eb Major, Opus 47
Dvořák: Piano Quartet No 2 in Eb Major