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Cook Strait Trio (2010)

Cook Strait Trio is a dynamic young ensemble consisting of Amber Rainey (piano) Blythe Press (violin), and Hugo Zanker (cello). These three talented young musicians have all had distinguished student careers in New Zealand, either as soloists, or in chamber music ensembles, and are now continuing their studies in Europe. The name Cook Strait Trio places the ensemble as New Zealanders, as well as linking the Nelson Summer School and Wellington city, the foundation places of their chamber music education.

Two under-appreciated English works of the piano trio repertoire form the first half of the programme. John Ireland's Phantasie Trio in A minor (1906) is beautifully constructed, and remains one of the composer's most popular and immediately attractive compositions. Rebecca Clarke's trio, completed in 1921, is a powerful and expansive work which has shades of Franck and Debussy. In the second half, Mendelssohn's virtuosic trio in D minor balances frenetic energy with tranquility in the style of his "Songs without words".

Amber Rainey (piano) completed her Bachelor of Music at Auckland University in 2007, studying with Rae de Lisle and Sarah Watkins. In 2008 she completed her Honours degree in Collaborative Piano Performance and Analysis having been chosen by the University to be promoted as an Emerging Young Artist. She is currently studying at the Guildhall in London for a two year Masters Degree in Piano Accompaniment.

Blythe Press (violin) is currently completing a four year Baccalaureate in Performance Music at the University of Music and Dramatic Art in Graz, Austria. In 2007 he was co-concertmaster of the New Zealand Youth Orchestra and has played in and toured with the NZSO.

Hugo Zanker (cello) was recently awarded his Masters in Cello Performance from the Freiburg Music University in Germany, after studying at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. Hugo is currently playing for the Magdeburger Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany.

This concert is presented by Tauranga Musica in association with Chamber Music New Zealand. Tickets available at Baycourt.

View Programme Notes

In association with Chamber Music New Zealand