Les Voisins

The Programme 

A journey into French music through the ages: from the intensely emotional world of Baroque, including New Zealand composer Alex Taylor’s own response, through to the vibrant colours of Ravel’s impressionism, and into the irresistible swing of guitarist Django Reinhardt and the grandfather of jazz violin, Stéphane Grappelli, with the Hot Club de France.   

About the Trio 

Les Voisins (Neighbours) is a coming together of worlds, neighbours, and friends. Violinist Justine Cormack and cellist James Bush grew up next door to each other in Christchurch and have remained close friends throughout their diverse careers: Justine nurturing and promoting the best of New Zealand music through her performances with NZTrio, James pursuing the freedom and energy of Baroque performance practice with many of Europe’s top groups. While performing, they met Australian lutenist and guitarist Simon Martyn-Ellis, a sought-after theorbist who exudes musicality, warmth, and positivity.   

The Artists 

Justine Cormack, violin  James Bush, cello  Simon Martyn-Ellis, theorbo and guitars   

The Repertoire 

ROBERT DE VISÉE  Prélude and Passacaille (Solo Theorbo)    JEAN MARIE LECLAIR  Sonata for Violin and Continuo, Op 2, No 1 in E minor  Adagio, Allegro ma poco, Sarabanda, Allegro    ROBERT DE VISÉE  Prélude and Allemande: La Plainte ou tombeau des Mesdemoiselles de Visée, filles de L'Auteur from Suite in C minor (Solo Theorbo)    MARIN MARAIS  Sonnerie de Ste. Geneviève du Mont-de-Paris    ALEX TAYLOR  Ordre (new NZ work)    —interval—    MAURICE RAVEL  Sonata for Violin and Cello  Allégro, Très vif, Lent, Vif    DJANGO REINHARDT  Nuages, Sweet Georgia Brown, Minor Swing