• Concerts
• Programme 1
• Programme 2

Amber Rainey piano
Blythe Press violin
Hugo Zanker cello

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.

Amber Rainey (piano) completed her Bachelor of Music at Auckland University in 2007, studying with Rae de Lisle and Sarah Watkins.  In 2008 she gained First Class Honours 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, and was awarded the Guildhall Accompanist's Competition in 2010. 

In 2009, Blythe Press (violin) completed his Bachelor of Performance Music at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria, a four-year degree which he achieved with distinction. Blythe is now studying towards his Masters degree at the same institution. 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.

When & Where

Date	Programme	Time	Venue	Centre
5 August 10	Programme 1	7.30pm	Old Library Building, Rust Street	Whangarei
8 August 10	Programme 2	3.00pm	Mahurangi College	Warkworth
10 August 10	Programme 1	7.30pm	Lawson Field Theatre	Gisborne
13 August 10	Programme 2	7.30pm	Rotorua Convention Centre	Rotorua
14 August 10	Programme 2	7.30pm	The Woolshed	Te Awamutu
15 August 10	Programme 1	7.30pm	Mills Reef Winery	Tauranga
22 August 10	Programme 2	3.00pm	Ilott Theatre	Wellington (Sunday Concerts)