Buckle up and travel around the globe with the Aroha String Quartet. 

We’ll have stopovers to sample the music of seven different countries on five continents - Europe, Asia, South America, North America and Zealandia!  

We begin our journey in Austria with a sunny, sparkling piece by the father of the string quartet, Josef Haydn. 

We then travel overland to Russia for Shostakovich’s Elegy & Polka and backtrack to Spain for Turina’s evocative Bullfighter’s Prayer. 

Exhausted by all that travelling, we take a break back in New Zealand with the lovely Toccatina by Ross Carey. 

 After interval we fly to China for an arrangement of the famous folk song Er Quan Ying Yue composed by blind erhu player A Bing. This music depicts the moon reflecting on the Er Quan spring.

In Eastern Europe we then make a stop in for some selections from Miniatures by Georgian composer Sulkhan Tsintsadze. 

After interval we fly to China for an arrangement of the famous folk song Er Quan Ying Yue composed by blind erhu player A Bing. 

This music depicts the moon reflecting on the Er Quan spring. In Eastern Europe we then make a stop in for some selections from Miniatures by Georgian composer Sulkhan Tsintsadze. 

No world tour would be complete without a visit to South America, so we end our trip in Argentina with Tango Ballet by tango-master Astor Piazzolla.  

As your tour guides we’ll make sure to introduce you to the pieces and the composers. Join us for an exciting musical journey! As your tour guides we’ll make sure to introduce you to the pieces and the composers. Join us for an exciting musical journey! 

### **Programme**

Haydn - _String Quartet in E-flat Op 64 No 6_ 
Shostakovich - _Elegy & Polka_  
Turina - _Bullfighter’s Prayer_ 
Ross Carey - _Toccohina_

**_Interval_**

A Bing - _Er Quan Ying Yue_ (_Reflections of the Moon_)  
Tsintsadze - _Miniatures_
Piazzolla - _Tango Ballet_ 


### **About**
Acclaimed as demonstrating "accomplished brilliance, soulfulness and sublime intensity in perfect balance and tonal unity" (The Dominion Post), the Aroha String Quartet is firmly established as one of New Zealand's finest chamber music ensembles.

Founded in 2004, this versatile Wellington-based quartet is known for its passionate musicality, impressive technique, and multicultural innovation.

Haihong Liu and Zhongxian Jin are original members of the Aroha Quartet. Robert Ibell joined the group in 2009 and Konstanze Artmann in late 2018.

The Aroha Quartet is committed to presenting string quartet works from western classical and avant-garde repertoire to traditional Chinese folk music, as well as works for larger forces through collaborations with numerous high-profile musicians.




Aroha String Quartet

### **Performers**
Andrew Beer, Violin 
Lorelle McNaughton, Piano
Gordon Hill, Double bass
Sam Swindells, Guitar
Grayson Masefield, Accordion

Performing in Piazzolla’s original quintet formation, A Century of Tango traverses the evolution of tango from beloved classics such as Ángel Villoldo’s, El Choclo, Carlos Gardel’s Por una Cabeza, and Gerardo Matos Rodríguez’s La Cumparsitato the revolutionary nuevo tango compositions of Argentinian maestro Ástor Piazzolla.

‘Ao’, meaning ‘world’ in te reo Māori, is at the heart of AOTANGO. 

Enjoy their seamless fusion of world music and tango, in an eclectic mix of styles presented by musicians who call Aotearoa their home.


## **Programme**
The concert will include selections from the following repertoire:

**Tangos:**
El Choclo (Villodo), En Pampa y la Via (Jaurena & Torres), Por Una Cabeza (Gardel), A Evaristo Carriego (Rovira), La Cumparsita (Rodriguez), Milonga Triste
(Piana), La Bordona (Leopoldo Federico)

**Piazzolla Repertoire:**
Escualo, Kicho, Series del Ángel (Milonga, Muerte & Resureccion), Oblivion,
Michelangelo 70, Soledad, Adios Nonino, Primavera (Spring) & Invierno (Winter)
Porteño, Chiquilin de Bachin.

**Waltzes:**
Que nadie sepa mi sufrir / La Foule
(Cabral), Fou Rire (Galliano) 

**World Music:**
Balkan Dance (Trad.), Gnossiene No. 3
(Satie)

## **Biographies**

Awarded Best Classical Artist at the 2020 NZ Music Awards, violinist **Andrew Beer** has been described as a "musical gift" (New York Times), a "virtuoso soloist" (San Francisco Classical Voice) with a “glorious string tone” - _Strad magazine_. 

He has performed as a soloist throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia, and as a chamber musician at the Music@Menlo, IMS Prussia Cove, Aspen, Tanglewood, Banff and Orford Festivals, with leading artists including Midori, the Parker String Quartet and Emerson String Quartet.

Andrew has served as Concertmaster of the Auckland Philharmonia since 2014, and has performed as guest Concertmaster with the CBSO (Birmingham), Hallé (Manchester), MSO (Melbourne), ASO (Adelaide), VSO (Vancouver) and NZSO (Wellington). 

His previous job was Assistant Principal 2nd Violin with the OSM (Montreal), a frequent winner of Grammy and Gramophone awards.


**Lorelle McNaughton** is a graduate of the University of Auckland (BMus), Sydney Conservatorium of Music (MMus), and the Liceu Conservatori and Academia Marshall in Spain, where she obtained Masters degrees specialising in the performance of Spanish music.

Through her growing reputation as a Spanish music specialist, Lorelle has been invited to give presentations at some of Australasia's
leading music conservatoriums. 

She has performed throughout Aotearoa, Australia, and Europe, including performances of Isaac Albéniz's Iberia suite, one of the most complex and challenging works of the piano literature. 

Recent appearances include performances of a new work 'HĪKOI' at the Auckland Art Gallery, a solo tour as part of Chamber Music New Zealand's In Partnership Series, performing as special guest at the 'Oceania' Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, and as soloist with the Hawkes Bay Orchestra.

Lorelle was a founding member of piano quartet ‘Estrella’, whose debut album Tui, comprised of works by New Zealand composers for eight-hands, reached No.1 on the Radio NZ Classical Charts on its release.

**Gordon Hill** has held the role of Principal Bass of the Auckland Philharmonia since 1997.  He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. 

Gordon started playing the bass at age 14 and went to high school at Interlochen Arts Academy. After graduating high school, he attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and finished at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston where he studied with Edwin Barker and Larry Wolfe.

He spent two summers with the National Repertory Orchestra, participated in the Spoleto Festival in Italy, and performed a season with the New World Symphony.

Gordon has performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. 

As a Principal player, he has been Principal Bass of the New Hampshire Symphony, Principal Bass of the Boston Philharmonic, and performed two seasons as Principal Bass with the Sarasota Opera Festival.


**Sam Swindells** is a jazz guitarist who is involved in many projects spanning from 70’s Funk, to Rockabilly, to Jazz.

Of note, Sam is the musical director and bandleader for Big Ticket, an 8-piece swing band with a long standing residency at Auckland Viaduct’s ‘The Lula Inn’.

He plays guitar for the internationally renowned rockabilly band ‘Boom! Boom! Deluxe’ who have released two albums and have done multiple nationwide tours. 

Sam is also a respected member of Auckland’s jazz community and can often be spotted at venues around the city collaborating with some of Auckland’s top jazz musicians. 

He regularly performs with artists such as Caroline and Roger Manins, Mike Walker, Julie Mason, Mike Booth, Steve Sherriff, Paul Norman, Ron Samsom and many others.

Sam is a member of staff at Kristin School where he teaches music and runs the school’s Jazz Combo program.


**Grayson Masefield** is a New Zealand born accordionist and the first person to win World Championships in Classical, Virtuoso and Digital accordion categories.

He has a Master of Arts HES-SO in Specialised Music Performance from Lausanne and a Master of Studio Pedagogy from the University of Auckland, New Zealand where he is currently the Instrumental Music Teacher for Accordion.

He is regularly invited to adjudicate and/or appear as Guest Artist at international competitions, and has been invited to perform in many countries including France, Spain, Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal, Slovakia, Italy, USA, Canada, Russia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Portugal, China, Switzerland, Chile, Czech Republic, Singapore, South Korea, Austria, Australia & Finland.

Grayson’s extensive repertoire can be heard on his three albums as well as many live performances on You Tube.  He has worked with several of the world's leading composers such as Frank Angelis (France), Gorka Hermosa (Spain), Petri Makkonen (Finland), Gary Daverne (New Zealand), Bete Ilin (Macedonia) & Ross Harris (New Zealand) to perform and record new original works for the accordion.

Wanaka Concert Society presents this concert in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand.


Aotango  Quintet

Jian Liu, Internationally celebrated pianist, and winner of the Best Classical Artist at the 2025 Aotearoa Music Awards, has created a programme that surveys the different ways composers of New Zealand and Chinese heritage paint their worlds in sound. 

The journey begins with landscapes featuring Douglas Lilburn's _From the Port Hills_ and Huang Hu Wei’s evocative _Pictures from Bashu_,  while Tan Dun’s _Eight Memories in Watercolour_ and Salina Fisher’s _Three Short Pieces_ capture nature’s fleeting beauty in shimmering sound. 

Gareth Farr’s _Love Songs_ and Zhang Zhao’s _Three Songs from the Mountains of Southern Yunnan_ give voice to love and longing.

The second half turns to childhood and memory. 

Gillian Whitehead’s _Lullaby for Matthew_ and _He Luting’s Lullaby_ offer tender moments of repose, while Anthony Ritchie’s _Caroline Bay Suite_ and Ding Shande’s _Children’s Suite Dance_ with the laughter of children at play before Sonatinas by David Farquhar and Wang Lisan bring the programme to a spirited close, brimming with energy and joy.

### **Programme**
Douglas Lilburn | _From the Port Hills_ 	
Huang Hu Wei 黄虎威 | _Pictures from Bashu_ (selections) 巴蜀之画 (选曲) 	
Tan Dun 谭盾 | _Eight Memories in Watercolour_ (selections) 八幅水彩画的回忆 (选曲) 	
Salina Fisher | _Three Short Pieces_ 	
Gareth Farr | _Love Songs_ 	
Zhang Zhao 张朝 | _Three Songs from the Mountains of Southern Yunnan_ 滇南山谣三首 

_Interval_**Bold**

Gillian Whitehead | _Lullaby for Matthew_ 	
He Lu Ting 贺绿汀 | _Lullaby_ 摇篮曲 	
Anthony Ritchie | _Caroline Bay Suite_ 
Ding Shan De 丁善德 | _Children’s Suite: Happy Holidays_ (selections) 儿童组曲《快乐的节日》(选曲) 
David Farquhar | _Sonatina_ 
Wang Li San 汪立三 | Sonatina 小奏鸣曲	8’

### **Artist Biography**
As an internationally celebrated concert pianist, Dr. Jian Liu has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America. 

His artistry has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Steinway Hall in New York, Sprague Hall and Woolsey Hall of Yale University, and Paul Hall of Julliard School, and as a featured soloist with orchestras worldwide.

Dr. Liu has been awarded many prizes in international competitions including the Horowitz International Piano Competition (Ukraine), the Missouri Southern International Competition (USA), and has featured in festivals in many countries including Auckland (New Zealand), Idyllwild (USA), Beijing, Shanghai (China), Lausanne (Switzerland), and Krakow (Poland). He has also been an adjudicator for several international music competitions.  

As a dedicated and enthusiastic chamber musician, Dr. Liu collaborates frequently with New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians, appearing in music festivals around New Zealand as well as with international musicians and ensembles, including the Takács Quartet, violinist Anthony Marwood, cellist Jian Wang, clarinetist David Shifrin, flutist Ransom Wilson, horn player Ben Goldscheider, and pianist Boris Berman, Claude Frank, and Maria João Pires. 

Dr. Liu studied with Professor Jin Zhang in China and with Dr. Caio Pagano in the US. He completed his Master of Music, Doctor, and Master of Musical Arts degrees from Yale School of Music, where he was a student and assistant of Professor Claude Frank, and is currently the Deputy Head of School, Associate Professor, and Head of Piano Studies at New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington, where he has established his reputation as an outstanding pedagogue and overseen the development of the performance curriculum.

The Wanaka Concert Society presents this concert in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand.


Jian Liu, Solo Pianist

## **Dolfin-Lin Duo**

Chinese-New Zealand pianist **Tony Chen Lin** returns home from his Budapest base with Hungarian cellist **Balázs Dolfin**.

Trained in Hungary and Germany, this dynamic duo present a diverse and fascinating programme that includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach and Johannes Brahms, Zoltán Kodály and Belá Bartók, Gao Ping and Nathanael Dejong (New Zealand).


### **Performers**

Balázs Dolfin, Cello
Tony Chen Lin, Piano


### **Programme**

Anton Webern | _Sonata for Cello and Piano_
Johann Sebastian Bach | _Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D major_, BWV1028
Zoltán Kodály | _Sonata Op.4_
Gao Ping | _Sonata No.2 “Departure”_

_- Interval -_

Belá Bartók | _Rhapsody No.1_
Nathanael Dejong | _Abandoned Voices_
Johannes Brahms | _Sonata in E minor, Op.38_


### **Artist biographies**

Hungarian cellist **Balázs Dolfin** began playing at age four and quickly rose to prominence, winning national and international competitions. 

He studied at Hungary’s Liszt Academy and later at the University for Music and Performing Arts Munich, where he earned his Master’s with distinction.

Balázs has performed across Europe and the U.S., received prestigious awards like the Junior Príma Award, and is a core member of Hungary’s “Altalena Young Artist” group. 

He won first prize at the Virtuoso & Belcanto competition and joined the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in 2022. A dedicated chamber musician and educator, he regularly performs and teaches internationally.


**Tony Lin Chen**, Chinese-New Zealand pianist regularly performs across New Zealand and Europe, including at the Semaine Internationale Piano & Musique de Chambre festival in Switzerland. 

His 2018 debut album DIGRESSIONS reached No.1 on the New Zealand Classical Charts. 

A prizewinner in multiple competitions, including 1st place at the New Zealand National Concerto Competition, Tony holds a Master of Music and Konzertexamen from the Hochschule fur Musik Freiburg. 

Currently based in Budapest, he is pursuing a DLA at the Liszt Academy and is a passionate chamber musician, frequently performing in a cello-piano duo with Balázs Dolfin.

The Wanaka Concert Society presents this concert in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand.

Dolfin-Lin Duo

### **John Rae's Celtic Roots**

Award-winning musician and composer John Rae blends music from his Scottish heritage with contemporary jazz, including acoustic renditions of pieces like Robert Burns’ _Banks and Braes_ (named “track of the year” by RNZ Concert’s Nick Tipping) and original compositions by Rae.

This special concert will showcase his mastery of both tradition and innovation, offering a journey through Scotland’s landscapes and New York’s vibrant jazz scene.

### **Performers**

John Rae, Drums 
Jack Harris, Bass
Ben Wilcock, Piano
Oscar Lavën, Saxophone

### Programme

_The Earl of Seaforth
Jock and Sioux
Freddy’s Tune
Barry Gadjie
I’m Waulking
Ye Banks and Braes
Psalm (Peerie Cruicky)
Uncouth and Without Form
Morùn geal òg_

### **Artist biographies**

**John Rae** is a jazz drummer and award winning composer based in Pōneke, Wellington. In 2009/10 he was the Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards composer-in-residence at Victoria University Wellington, New Zealand. 

John recorded his first album at the age of sixteen with the Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith and has subsequently recorded over 70 albums both as a leader and side man, including two BBC Jazz Albums of the Year.  He was awarded a ‘Herald Angel Award’ at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and leader and composer for the New Zealand jazz group, The Troubles. 

From 2000 - 3 he was drummer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and has performed and recorded with many world renowned jazz musicians including Ethan Iverson, Vijay Iyer and Mike Nock. Originally from Scotland, John has been a New Zealand citizen since 2016.


**Oscar Lavën** is a highly versatile and dynamic multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and bandleader based in Pōneke, Wellington. 

Known for his adaptability and expressive style, Oscar’s performance career spans a remarkable array of genres, with particular depth in jazz and classical music.

His impressive musicianship has led to numerous recordings, accolades, and collaborations across New Zealand’s music landscape and beyond. 

Oscar has had the privilege of performing with iconic musicians, including renowned drummers Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl, as well as contributing to the celebrated New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. 

His talent has also been recognized internationally, performing with John Beasley’s Grammy- winning MONK 'estra and the legendary
Rodger Fox Big Band. 

With each performance, Oscar brings his unique voice and creative flair establishing himself as a powerful and influential figure in the New Zealand music scene.


**Ben Wilcock** is a celebrated pianist and composer hailing from Hamilton and now based in Rotorua, New Zealand. 

Known for his versatile and expressive style, Ben’s musical journey began as the on-stage pianist for the acclaimed theatrical production _The Pickle King_ by Indian Ink Theatre Company. 

This show garnered recognition, winning multiple awards, including the prestigious Fringe First at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Following his early success, Ben spent several years in the UK where he continued to refine his craft before returning to New Zealand.   

Upon his return he became an integral part of the national music scene, performing and recording with acclaimed vocalist Bella Kalolo on her albums _Without the Paper_ and _Time and Space_.

His collaborations with Kalolo led to performances a high-profile festivals and venues worldwide, including Glastonbury, Java Jazz, the Sydney Arts Festival and prominent New York spots like Ella Lounge and Rockwood Music Hall.

Throughout this career, Ben has shared the stage with a range of distinguished artists, including Aaradhna and Louis Baker, and more recently with American blues legend Chris Cain.  

Ben's vibrant style and deep-rooted passion for jazz and blues continues to captivate audiences, establishing him as one of New Zealand's most dynamic and respected pianists.


**Jack Harris** is a rising star on the New Zealand jazz scene, bringing his dynamic acoustic bass playing to stages across Poneke, Wellington, and beyond.  

As part of the award winning Jazz ensemble Mel Stevenson, Jack has already made a name for himself as a member of New Zealand's remarkable new general of jazz talent.  

His accolades from national jazz competitions are numerous, reflecting his skill, dedication and the respect he has earned from peers and audiences alike.  

Now in his final year at the New Zealand School of Music - Te Koki, Jack is not only honing craft but also become one of Wellington's most sought-after musicians.  

His versatility, depth of expression, and musical intuition have already established him as a prominent figure in the local music scene and a promising talent to watch in the future of jazz. 

The Wanaka Concert Society presents this concert in partnership with Chamber Music New Zealand.




The latest WCS events in Wanaka

Aroha String Quartet

Aotango Quintet

Jian Liu, Solo Pianist

Dolfin-Lin Duo

John Rae Celtic Roots

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The latest WCS events in Wanaka

Aroha String Quartet

Aotango Quintet

Jian Liu, Solo Pianist

Dolfin-Lin Duo

John Rae Celtic Roots

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