One of the world's most exciting jazz pianists of our time, Bill Cunliffe, is coming to Wanaka!   

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music as Cunliffe takes to the stage to perform a captivating blend of his own compositions and beloved classics.

As a Grammy award-winning artist with a career spanning over 30 years, Cunliffe has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the jazz world. 

His impressive repertoire features collaborations with legendary musicians such as Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard, and Benny Golson, as well as over 20 albums as a leader. 

Cunliffe also a sought-after composer, arranger, and music educator.  

With his technical prowess, harmonic sophistication, and dynamic sense of swing, Cunliffe's performances never fail to captivate audiences. 

His music is both intricate and accessible, with something for everyone to enjoy. You won't want to miss this chance to experience the magic of Bill Cunliffe live on stage!


Grammy Award-winning American Jazz Pianist

A monumental programme featuring cornerstone works of the violin and piano repertoire. Menzies and Endres, both renowned soloists, come together to impress their own mastery on these giants.

The virtuosic duo invites audiences in to find new and exciting ways of experiencing well-known works in a fresh and exhilarating way.

### **About the Duo**
A newly-formed duo featuring the celebrated German pianist Michael Endres and internationally-acclaimed violinist/violist Mark Menzies, two masters at the height of their careers brought together in New Zealand.

Having first performed together playing Beethoven’s Kreutzer Sonata, Michael and Mark had an instant connection. They have since gone on to perform chamber music together at the Akaroa Music Festival and, more recently, played a featured recital as part of the UC/Arts Centre Chamber Series which included Schnittke's Quasi una sonata.

### **The Setlist will include:**

FRANZ SCHUBERT 
Rondo BrillIant in B minor D895 (op 70)

ALFRED SCHNITTKE
Violin Sonata no 2, ‘Quasi una sonata’

– Interval –

SALINA FISHER 
Mono no aware (物の哀れ)

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
Violin Sonata no 9, op 47, ‘Kreutzer’



Menzies/Endres Duo

#### **The Programme**
Hailed as “bold and stylistically varied” (The Modernist, PBS FM), Ben Wilcock’s latest album The River Tethys includes a harmonious mix of contemporary takes on jazz standards and original melodies.

Audiences can expect to hear impressive improvisations and refreshing arrangements of classics such as 1930s show tune Star Eyes and Dizzy Gillespie’s Groovin’ High. Some of Aotearoa’s best known and most impressive jazz musicians, Wilcock’s outfit brings acoustic music which ebbs and flows, with up-tempo sections and melodic ballads.

#### **About the Quartet**
Accomplished pianist Ben Wilcock is joined by the talented Tristan Carter on violin, Dan Yeabsley on double bass, and award-winning drummer John Rae. When these renowned Wellington musicians come together as an ensemble, they deliver the most dynamic voice and melodic clarity with jewel like compositions, whilst staying true to their jazz roots.

Ben Wilcock, piano
Tristan Carter, violin
Daniel Yeabsley, bass
John Rae, percussion

#### **The Setlist will include**
Sol Draconi Septum
La Rosita
Grooving High
First Gate
Butterfly
T'ien Shan
Aenae
The Stinger
Chitchatuk
Secret Life of Music
Star Eyes


Ben Wilcock Quartet

Due to popular demand the programme will include well-known and loved repertoire for cello ensemble and soprano voice, as well as newly arranged songs for cello ensemble. 

As usual, Cellists of Otago will present an innovative programme with a great variety of items, which the audience will love.

Further information about this concert will be provided closer to the concert.

Fabulous Cellist Heleen du Plessis 

When Laurence Matheson and Matthias Balzat met in February 2020 to play trio concerts for Wilma & Friends, they hit it off instantly, both musically and personally. 

We decided to play more together and the Argyle Trio was born. However, a pandemic intervened to keep us on opposite sides of the planet until these 2023 concerts which will be our long-awaited reunion. 

Beethoven’s C minor Trio is such a perfect gem, it’s hard to believe it’s his Opus 1 and it’s the ideal springboard into the totally different world of heart-on-sleeve Slavic romanticism. 

Dvorak’s famous “Dumky” trio features a passionately lamenting cello – dumky being the plural of dumka, an epic ballad or song of lament. 

Less familiar, but a powerful work of unbridled passion, Smetana’s early trio is dedicated to his eldest daughter who had just died aged four from scarlet fever. 

He was a generation older than Dvorak and his rhapsodic trio of clearly elegiac character is a milestone of romanticism, in a way forecasting the music that would soon come from Brahms, Dvorak and others.

The latest WCS events in Wanaka

Grammy Award-winning American Jazz Pianist

Menzies/Endres Duo

Ben Wilcock Quartet

Fabulous Cellist Heleen du Plessis

Argyle Trio

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The latest WCS events in Wanaka

Grammy Award-winning American Jazz Pianist

Menzies/Endres Duo

Ben Wilcock Quartet

Fabulous Cellist Heleen du Plessis

Argyle Trio

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