The midday concert last Friday was filled with interest as always. I must admit to a feeling of apprehension when I arrived to see a youthful group rehearsing, with all the necessary paraphernallia of a metal band.
My fears were groundless as the Neo-classical Progressive Metal Ensemble from Tauhara College proved to be a winner.
They have entered the New Zealand Chamber Music Awards competition with "Baroque and Roll" and it was certainly a polished perfomance, both musically and visually. Great playing from all!
Next came a fine performance from David McNeill playing the second movement from a Mozart Violin Concerto, accompanied by Rosalind Gale.
Nice choice of music in this Mozart celebration year and splendid playing in the cadenza.
The next item was a piano solo by Vivienne Sands, who played a seldom-heard Scherzo by Brahms. We often hear Vivienne'spupils so it was a pleasure to her.
The Allen family followed with two pieces for two violins, cello and piano. They are new to Taupo and it was good to hear them making music together.
Merle Dawson gave us a piano solo from Schumann's Carnival Suite, which was followed by two delightful songs from Rosalind Gale, accompanied by Yunah Hong. I particularly enjoyed the Greig.
The concert ended in a dramatic fashion with some real jazz played by Julian Harris, Barry Mackey and Marcus Kaisserian.
Great performance with a lovely quiet lead into the finale with those nice chords before the final 'peep'!
Another splendid concert with a great audience.
Helen Baines, Taupo Times
8 June 2006
