Armstrong, Jacobs, Liu Trio

Well-known violinist Donald Armstrong (violin) and pianist Jian Liu are familiar favourites with Waikanae audiences. For this concert they join forces with young horn player Samuel Jacobs to present some of the finest music written for horn. The concert also showcases the considerable talents of British-born Sam who held the position of Principal Horn with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London before being lured to New Zealand by the lifestyle, scenery and the outdoors, not to mention the post of Principal Horn with the NZSO.

The programme opens with Beethoven's Sonata for Horn and Piano. It is reputed that Beethoven wrote this brilliant piece in one day - the day before its first performance. Two of Clara Schumann's charming Romances for Violin and Piano will follow, leading to the premiere of a newly commissioned work for Horn Trio by renowned Dunedin composer Anthony Ritchie. The major work on the programme will be Brahms's formidable Trio for Horn, Violin and Piano. Unlike Beethoven he was not rushed, but sought inspiration while on holiday in the Black Forest mourning the death of his beloved mother. The work is a masterpiece and has been described as a marvelous blend of elegy, nostalgia, and high spirits.

Door sales will be available or tickets can be purchased from Waikanae New World, Moby Dickens Books in Paraparaumu Beach or through the Society's website www.waikanaemusic.org.nz. Enquiries are welcome on 021 2517030.

Programme:

Beethoven: Sonata for Horn and Piano in F Major, Opus 17
Clara Schumann: Two Romances for Violin and Piano
Anthony Ritchie: Horn Trio "Rebirth"
Brahms: Trio in Eb Major for Horn, Violin and Piano, Opus 40