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ARTISTS: Katherine Austin (piano), Lara Hall (violin), James Tennant (cello)
The New Zealand Chamber Soloists were formed in 2006 from a range of artists who have connections with the University of Waikato, and all of whom have national and international careers as performers. At the nucleus and heart of the New Zealand Chamber Soloists is a piano trio made up of pianist Katherine Austin, violinist Lara Hall and cellist James Tennant, all of whom are recognised as leading New Zealand chamber musicians and soloists. They are passionate about revitalising classical music as a spontaneous and vitally alive and expressive experience which can uplift and transform audiences.
Katherine, Lara and James toured for Chamber Music New Zealand in 2008 and in 2010. In 2008 they also performed a Triple Concerto written for them by composer Michael Williams, and have recorded a CD, due for release soon. At the beginning of 2009 they toured in Europe and USA, giving concerts in Paris, London, Cambridge, Dublin, Killorglin, Michigan USA and Colombia (South America). They were subsequently invited to perform in summer festivals in Italy in 2010, along with return invitations to perform and give masterclasses in France, UK, USA and Colombia.
KATHERINE AUSTIN is lecturer in piano at the University of Waikato. She was winner of the 1982 New Zealand Young Musician of the Year and the NZ National Piano Award in the same year. Seven years of study and performance in London and Europe included a full scholarship at the Royal College of Music London studying with Russian pianist and teacher Irina Zaritskaya, and winning top duo prize, with cellist Vincenzo Giuliani, in the Stresa International Chamber Music Competition in Italy in 1987.
LARA HALL is Lecturer in Violin and Viola at the University of Waikato, and Artistic Director of Accelerando, the University of Waikato Junior Music Academy. She holds a Doctorate from the University of Michigan where she studied with Paul Kantor and Yehonatan Berick.
JAMES TENNANT, distinguished American born cellist, graduated with Distinction from the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan, and counts as his major teaching influences William Pleeth, Gregor Piatigorsky and Jerome Jelinek. He has since established himself as an extremely popular soloist and chamber musician, performing in 18 countries throughout Europe, Asia, USA and South America. James is currently Senior Lecturer at the University of Waikato.
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strong, vital playingRead full reviewHanno Fairburn, Rotorua Daily Post - 28 Aug 2011