2012 School & Music Teacher Special Offers 1 February 2012 News Every year we offer schools and music teachers some great packages on subscriptions and individual concerts to help enrich and enliven classroom learning. Find out about our 2012 packages. Acclaimed Italian Ensemble I Musici Performs in New Zealand 25 January 2012 News Acclaimed Italian chamber ensemble I Musici tours New Zealand for the first time in February and March 2012 as the opening concert of Chamber Music New Zealand’s 2012 season. Win tickets to see I MUSICI in concert 25 January 2012 News Share your favourite Italian cuisine with us and you could WIN 2 tickets to see the famous I MUSICI in concert! Season’s Greetings, Gifts and Festive Farewells 21 December 2011 News A special message from everyone at Chamber Music New Zealand Sex Sells... Classical Music? 13 December 2011 News Classical music was one of the few industries where sex is not usually used to sell the product. Until now. Kennedy Centre / National Symphony Orchestra - Summer Music Institute 13 December 2011 News Applications are now open to serious music students aged 15-20 for the 4-week summer music program at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC. Wellington Chamber Music Trust - Sunday Concerts 2012 12 December 2011 News CMNZ affiliate and independent music society, Wellington Chamber Music proudly presents Sunday Concerts 2012, featuring the finest of New Zealand’s musicians and some from further afield. Otago Daily Times - Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir 26 November 2011 Review "pure beauty summing the power of music" The Dominion Post - Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir 24 November 2011 Review "singing of supreme polish and breathtaking accuracy" Winner Announced - $50,000 6th ANNUAL Pettman/ROSL ARTS International Scholarship for a New Zealand Chamber Ensemble 22 November 2011 News The winner of the 2011 Pettman/ROSL ARTS International Scholarship is the ESTRELLA QUARTET Concert Preview: Voices New Zealand, Auckland Town Hall 21 November 2011 News Expect magic when the evening opens with Horo playing his taonga puoro while the choir sing Hildegard of Bingen's O viridissima virga. The New Zealand Herald - Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir 21 November 2011 Review Chamber Music New Zealand's final offering of the year gave us one of our most celebrated ambassadorial teams. Middle C - Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir 19 November 2011 Review "It seemed...to tell us just why it is we listen to music and go to concerts." Innovative schools programme returns to Nelson 11 November 2011 News Developed by chamber Music New Zealand after identifying a major gap associated with the implementation of the new school curriculum in 2008, Ensembles in Schools, has returned to Nelson for the second time. Taranaki Daily News - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 6 November 2011 Review "Captivated by the players' quintessential techniques and interpretative skills the audience was enfolded in a trance-like experience." Manawatu Standard - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 5 November 2011 Review "This was, indeed, a stunning way to end what has been a wonderful year." Concert Preview: Ensemble Liaison, Auckland Town Hall 31 October 2011 News Wilma Smith was a familiar figure on home ground when she led the NZSQ and the NZSO in the 80s and 90s. Now she is back in the country with Melbourne's Ensemble Liaison Nelson Mail - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 31 October 2011 Review When I asked a young boy leaving the auditorium what he thought of such serious music, he said, "Eleven out of 10" Nelson Mail - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 31 October 2011 Review "I was impressed and proud of our kiwi, Smith, on violin" Middle C - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 29 October 2011 Review "We in the audience were...properly caught by the music’s power of communication and enthrallment" Rotorua Daily Post - Felix the Quartet 27 October 2011 Review exceptional ensemble and musical insight Radio New Zealand Concert - Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith 26 October 2011 Review PODCAST: Anthony Ritchie reviews the "lively" Ensemble Liaison with Wilma Smith in Dunedin on Radio New Zealand Concert. Italian Ensemble Headlines CMNZ 2012 Season 14 October 2011 News The 2012 season features seven concert tours across 10 centres with performers around the world as well as a superb line-up of New Zealand artists. The End of Time 13 October 2011 News Read more on the fascinating story of one of the most important chamber music compositions of the 20th Century, Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time. Tasmin Little's new recording highly acclaimed 7 October 2011 News A new recording of the Delius Violin Concerto by Tasmin Little has just been released to wonderful critical acclaim. Acclaimed Ensemble Liaison Joins Renowned NZ Violinist for 10 Centre CMNZ Tour 29 September 2011 News Hailed by critics as "spellbinding and "a revelation”, Ensemble Liaison joins with renowned New Zealand violinist Wilma Smith for a 10 centre New Zealand tour in October and November. Continued Success for NZCT Chamber Music Contest Winners 26 September 2011 News This month has seen some impressive achievements for alumni winners of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest. Borodin Quartet welcomes new member 21 September 2011 News The Borodin Quartet have officially welcomed a new member, violinist Sergey Lomovsky. The Marlborough Express - Martin Riseley and Diedre Irons 20 September 2011 Review ...we were transported beyond the technical to the sublime. International Opportunity for Composers Aged 35 and Under 13 September 2011 News To mark its 100th season in 2012/2013, one of the most renowned concert venues in Vienna, the Wiener Konzerthaus, is launching an international composing competition - Latitude 37 10 September 2011 Review richly-conceived and beautifully-played Chamber Music Summer School for Secondary School Students 9 September 2011 News The University of Otago Music Department is seeking expressions of interest from secondary school students for their summer school programme. Manawatu Guardian - Latitude 37 8 September 2011 Review There was no doubting the mastery, pleasure and insight these three brought to their music... Hawkes Bay today - Latitude 37 5 September 2011 Review Improvisation was an impressive feature of the concert Manawatu Standard - Latitude 37 5 September 2011 Review masterful display The Marlborough Express - MELER ensemble 29 August 2011 Review A talented and inspiring quartet Rotorua Daily Post - New Zealand Chamber Soloists 28 August 2011 Review strong, vital playing Scholarships available for young musicians 26 August 2011 News The Waikanae Music Society Charitable Trust for Young Musicians is offering up to $2,000 for New Zealand musicians under 30. Nelson Mail - Latitude 37 26 August 2011 Review tantalising Latitude 37 on Radio NZ Concert 24 August 2011 News Listen online to the concert from Wellington on 15 August 2011. Middle C - MELER ensemble 21 August 2011 Review the players, each exhibiting both individuality and a fine spirit of ensemble ... The Northern Advocate - MELER ensemble 20 August 2011 Review four outstanding talents The Dominion Post - Latitude 37 17 August 2011 Review supremely talented Latitude 37 arrives safely in Wellington 15 August 2011 News Despite the weather, we are pleased to confirm that tonight's concert in Wellington is going ahead. - MELER ensemble 10 August 2011 Review beautifully blended and balanced performance The Dominion Post - Saguaro Trio 8 August 2011 Review Truly magical and memorable music NZ Herald - Saguaro Trio 8 August 2011 Review ... a homecoming with a difference The Marlborough Express - Jun Bouterey-Ishido 5 August 2011 Review had the audience hanging on every note Hawke's Bay Today - Saguaro Trio 3 August 2011 Review Mastery belie talent beyond trio's years The Waikato Times - Saguaro Trio 28 July 2011 Review beautifully played with finesse National Finalists on video 25 July 2011 News Desperate to hear the talented Finalists at the NZCT Chamber Music Contest again? Or perhaps you missed the broadcast? Well, now you can hear and see them on Radio New Zealand Concert's website! Middle C - Jun Bouterey-Ishido 24 July 2011 Review remarkable talent Middle C - Felix the Quartet 24 July 2011 Review Right from the dark opening of the Op.18 quartet, it was striking how beautifully balanced the Felix players were Otago Daily Times - Saguaro Trio 23 July 2011 Review It was pure delight, with the andante con moto out of this world Winners of this year's NZCT Chamber Music Contest announced! 16 July 2011 News Geist from Auckland have been announced as this year's winners of this the NZCT Chamber Music Contest The Tribune - Alexa Still, Martin Riseley and Jian Liu 6 July 2011 Review Unlimited talent unveiled Diedre Irons to play in Motueka on Friday 8 July 5 July 2011 News Diedre Irons will again join Martin Riseley for a performance in Motueka on Friday. Visiting UK pianist gives recitals and seminars 4 July 2011 News Renowned UK pianist Murray McLachlan will be in New Zealand later this week for his "Motivation and Inspiration" tour. Nelson Mail - Alexa Still, Martin Riseley and Jian Liu 2 July 2011 Review This was a perfect chamber music concert by three consummate musicians Taranaki Daily News - Alexa Still, Martin Riseley and Jian Liu 1 July 2011 Review amazing rapport New Zealanders star in City of London Festival 30 June 2011 News Some of our top musicians are featuring in the City of London Festival, which kicked off on 26 June. Manawatu Standard - Alexa Still, Martin Riseley and Jian Liu 29 June 2011 Review superb emotional intensity Jian Liu to replace Diedre Irons 27 June 2011 News Chinese-born pianist Jian Liu has had a busy weekend preparing for Tuesday night’s Palmerston North concert with flutist Alexa Still and violinist Martin Riseley. Seen and Heard International - Martin Riseley and Diedre Irons 27 June 2011 Review Martin was a veritable fountain of agility and expressiveness Middle C - Felix the Quartet 26 June 2011 Review left the audience with a sense of complete fulfillment Rotorua Daily Post - Martin Riseley and Diedre Irons 24 June 2011 Review commanding skills of a distinguished duo Christchurch District Contest going ahead as planned 15 June 2011 News The NZCT Chamber Music Contest in Christchurch is going ahead as planned. The District Contest will take place over Thursday 16 - Saturday 18 June at Middleton Grange School Performing Arts Centre. The Dominion Post - Brentano String Quartet 14 June 2011 Review string quartet playing that, even in a world full of great quartets, was completely special Russian Wins Michael Hill International Violin Competition 13 June 2011 News Russian violinist Sergey Malov has won the prestigious Michael Hill International Violin Competition 2011. Sergey was named the winner following the final round of the contest at the Auckland Town Hall accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra on Saturday night (11 June). Middle C - Brentano String Quartet 12 June 2011 Review Innovative, impressive concert by Brentano Quartet Michael Hill International Violin Competition Finalists Named 10 June 2011 News The top three musicians to reach the final of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition were named last night (Thursday 9 June). They are Richard Lin (Taiwan/USA), Xiang Yu (China) and Sergey Malov (Russia). New Zealand Herald - Brentano String Quartet 9 June 2011 Review These musicians understand the mysteries of Mozartian light and shade, the sigh of falling cadences within the cut and thrust of musical dialogue Waikato Times - Brentano String Quartet 8 June 2011 Review This was undoubtedly string quartet playing at its very finest. Staying in Tune: CMNZ at 60 31 May 2011 News Buy your copy of CMNZ's 60th Anniversary book Middle C - Tasmin Little 22 May 2011 Review unostentatious mastery and a musicality that drew attention simply to the musical qualities of the piece Changes to Christchurch concert season 11 May 2011 News Changes to Christchurch Kaleidoscopes concert season: new venue, new time and a bonus free concert! New Zealand Herald - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 10 May 2011 Review utterly transported Waikato Times - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 6 May 2011 Review the NZSQ caught all the joys, nostalgia and tragedy of Smetana’s own life with an excellent performance Schönberg surprises 5 May 2011 News Read the reaction from someone who attended the performance of the New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman. Excerpts from Dr Calvin Scott's lively and interesting pre-concert talk are included. The Tribune - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 4 May 2011 Review a sweet-toned performance Middle C - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 3 May 2011 Review the impact of watching these players, so profoundly engrossed and so whole-heartedly enraptured in their performance, was a most persuasive aspect Taranaki Daily News - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 2 May 2011 Review singer and quartet gave us an other-worldly experience Nelson Mail - New Zealand String Quartet with Jenny Wollerman 29 April 2011 Review haunting and meaningful Otago Daily Times - Elixir 13 April 2011 Review Stylish, varied and delightful Christchurch concert Friday 8 April 6 April 2011 News On behalf of our good friends at Christopher's Classics in Christchurch, CMNZ is happy to provide details about a concert by the Amici Ensemble on Friday 8 April. The Daily Post - Elixir 6 April 2011 Review bright and stylish performances Eggner Trio CDs for sale 5 April 2011 News Purchase your copy of the Eggner Trio's latest CD through CMNZ Song Company on RNZ Concert tonight 4 April 2011 News "Music Alive" tonight features the Song Company's "The Seasons" programme from October 2010 Taranaki Daily News - Eggner Trio 1 April 2011 Review Austrian brothers give dazzling performance The Dominion Post - Eggner Trio 29 March 2011 Review tremendous sweep and intensity NZ Herald - Eggner Trio 28 March 2011 Review ...musical and couturial panache Middle C - Eggner Trio 24 March 2011 Review I truly felt that this was music-making that didn’t get much better, anywhere - Eggner Trio 24 March 2011 Review beautiful, polished, intelligent, stirring Nelson Mail - Eggner Trio 22 March 2011 Review undoubtedly the very best piano trio I have heard Otago Daily Times - Eggner Trio 21 March 2011 Review musically and visually riveting Christchurch venue update 18 March 2011 News As a result of the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February, the Eggner Trio's Christchurch concert scheduled for 17 March was cancelled. Handel with Care: a concert for Christchurch 14 March 2011 News Direct from sell out performances at the Auckland season of Xerxes and spontaneous standing ovations at their Handel with Care and Timeless concerts as part of the Auckland Arts Festival, The Lautten Compagney have generously donated their time to help support fundraising efforts for Christchurch in its time of need. Middle C - Antipodes String Trio 13 March 2011 Review a wholly enchanting performance New award for Chamber Music Contest 7 March 2011 News Chamber Music New Zealand and SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music, are proud to introduce the Statham Award for the Best Performance of a New Zealand Work at each District Contest of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest. Eggner Trio concert in Christchurch cancelled 3 March 2011 News As a result of the February 22 earthquake, the Christchurch concert by Austrian ensemble the Eggner Trio, scheduled for Thursday 17 March at the James Hay Theatre, has unfortunately been cancelled. Chamber Music New Zealand Afternoon Tea and Concert for the 2011 Earthquake Appeal 2 March 2011 News Update: following the earthquake in Christchurch on 22 February, all proceeds from this event on 14 March will now be donated to the earthquake relief fund. April school for string musicians 28 February 2011 News Gather your quartet or other string ensemble for an exciting weekend of coaching and performances led by the Aroha String Quartet. Festival of Colour launch 11 February 2011 News Wanaka's autumn art festival in April 2011 has just launched its programme John Chen in Recital on RNZ Concert 7 February 2011 News On Wednesday 9 February at 8pm, Radio New Zealand Concert will feature John Chen playing Mozart, Ravel, Dutilleux, and Brahms. 60th anniversary celebrations 19 November 2010 News It was a month full of birthday celebrations in October as CMNZ celebrated in style Taranaki Daily News - Schubertiade 8 November 2010 Review Great polish from our glittering prizes New Zealand Herald - Schubertiade 6 November 2010 Review The opening Notturno caught the mood perfectly The New York Times - Brentano String Quartet 4 November 2010 Review Ear-Catching, Modern Madrigals for String Quartet Extracts from Staying In Tune: CMNZ at 60 3 November 2010 News Extracts from CMNZ's 60th anniversary book will be made available as downloadable PDFs from our Resources page. The first extract includes the Preface and Introduction. Nelson Mail - Schubertiade 3 November 2010 Review Totally engrossing Ensembles in Schools heads South 1 November 2010 News On Thursday October 21, the hall of Nelson's Victory Primary School rang out to the sound of over 100 children and teachers singing and dancing alongside Julian Raphael and the members of The Song Company. CMNZ 60th anniversary book discussed on Radio New Zealand Concert 26 October 2010 News Tune into Upbeat with Eva Radich on Radio New Zealand Concert today (Tues 26 October) at 1pm: CMNZ's Jane Dawson talks about CMNZ's 60th anniversary book, Staying in Tune: Chamber Music New Zealand at 60 CMNZ’s 2011 season revealed 21 October 2010 News The 2011 Kaleidoscopes Concert Season has been unveiled! The watch words are scope of musical colour, diversity of repertoire and depth of artistic talent. The Dominion Post - The Song Company 19 October 2010 Review Dramatic concert of contrasts imbued with personality CMNZ 60th anniversary book discussed on Radio New Zealand National 15 October 2010 News Tune into The Arts on Sunday with Lynn Freeman on Radio New Zealand National this Sunday 17 October at 1.30pm: CMNZ's Jane Dawson talks about CMNZ's 60th anniversary book, Staying in Tune: Chamber Music New Zealand at 60 New Zealand Herald - The Song Company 14 October 2010 Review exquisitely voiced The Daily Post (Rotorua) - Aroha String Quartet 25 September 2010 Review Polished performance from Aroha Quartet MusicWeb International - Aroha String Quartet 24 September 2010 Review rarely have I heard a string quartet produce such breathtakingly gorgeous, mellow, velvety sound Waikato Times - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 20 September 2010 Review a tour de force from beginning to end Middle C - Elios 19 September 2010 Review the performance captured all the charm of its three lively, imaginative movements New Zealand Herald - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 13 September 2010 Review Schumann's Piano Quintet positively burst into bloom in the hands of the five musicians Middle C - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 10 September 2010 Review an utterly memorable performance Otago Daily Times - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 8 September 2010 Review exceptional grace and beauty Southland Times - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 7 September 2010 Review tour de force display Middle C - Cook Strait Trio 22 August 2010 Review a concert of distinguished, finely crafted performances Middle C - Amalia Hall and John-Paul Muir 10 August 2010 Review the pair played rhapsodically, taking every chance to discover fresh nuances Capital Times - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 14 July 2010 Review impeccable technique and natural musicality The Dominion Post - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 7 July 2010 Review a player of great musical maturity - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 2 July 2010 Review virtuosity and warm stage presence Capital Times - The Wallfisch Band 16 June 2010 Review truly breathtaking playing The New Zealand Herald - The Wallfisch Band 26 May 2010 Review indomitable style The Waikato Times - The Wallfisch Band 23 May 2010 Review alive, vibrant and very much music making of the moment The Dominion Post - The Wallfisch Band 22 May 2010 Review a concert of polish and obvious enjoyment Middle C - The Wallfisch Band 20 May 2010 Review Bravo, the Wallfisch Band and its associates for a splendid evening! The Dominion Post - Richard Mapp and Emma Sayers 30 April 2010 Review beautifully integrated playing The Dominion Post - NZTrio 26 April 2010 Review The whole programme was superbly performed, and extremely well received Taranaki Daily News - NZTrio 24 April 2010 Review Modern works that thrill The Lumière Reader - NZTrio 24 April 2010 Review Trio rewarded by Chamber Music New Zealand with a ten centre tour - NZTrio 22 April 2010 Review ... riveted from beginning to end The New Zealand Herald - NZTrio 22 April 2010 Review Enchanting dialogue in ultimate dreamworld The Waikato Times - NZTrio 19 April 2010 Review NZTrio asset to the musical life of NZ The National Business Review - NZTrio 23 March 2010 Review Three sophisticated musicians displayed at Auckland Museum Manawatu Standard - Borodin Quartet 20 March 2010 Review Arresting performance from superb quartet - Borodin Quartet 15 March 2010 Review Consummate artistry The New Zealand Herald - Borodin Quartet 15 March 2010 Review Russian joke to start the year off right The Nelson Mail - Borodin Quartet 8 March 2010 Review From Russia with vivid flair The Dominion Post - Borodin Quartet 8 March 2010 Review Musical masters set benchmark for quartet string playing Upbeat, Radio New Zealand Concert - Borodin Quartet 8 March 2010 Review The hall was absolutely chocka The Western Australian - Borodin Quartet 5 March 2010 Review Shostakovich well served by Russian quartet The Sydney Morning Herald - Borodin Quartet 1 March 2010 Review Finding tears behind the straight face The Australian - Borodin Quartet 18 February 2010 Review Nuance, intimacy and good vibratos The Canberra Times - Borodin Quartet 18 February 2010 Review Great technique and musicianship Nelson Mail - St Lawrence String Quartet 27 October 2009 Review Passion, pace and understanding The Press - St Lawrence String Quartet 22 October 2009 Review St Lawrence offers brilliant buffet Hawkes Bay Today - St Lawrence String Quartet 21 October 2009 Review St Lawrence Quartet yields compelling playing Manawatu Standard - St Lawrence String Quartet 20 October 2009 Review "...an enriching and uplifting experience..." Radio New Zealand Concert - St Lawrence String Quartet 20 October 2009 Review "...a fantastic new work." Radio New Zealand Concert - St Lawrence String Quartet & New Zealand String Quartet 20 October 2009 Review "...bursting out of my seat..." Dominion Post - St Lawrence String Quartet 20 October 2009 Review "...exuberance and phenomenal brilliance..." Dominion Post - St Lawrence String Quartet & New Zealand String Quartet 20 October 2009 Review "...a revelatory experience..." New Zealand Herald - St Lawrence String Quartet 19 October 2009 Review A concert to remember New Zealand Herald - St Lawrence String Quartet & New Zealand String Quartet 19 October 2009 Review A concert to remember Waikato Times - St Lawrence String Quartet 13 October 2009 Review ... energetic, high octane performance Musicweb International 'Seen and Heard' - NZTrio 8 October 2009 Review They play as though virtuosity is just an incidental - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 8 October 2009 Review I have always had a love for the violin and my dream as a youth was to become a concert violinist. Neuberger Nachrichten - The Wallfisch Band 8 October 2009 Review The faces on stage reveal at once the highest concentration and almost unrestrained delight in playing - The Wallfisch Band 8 October 2009 Review The concerts are always far more than the sum of their parts – our work is done, and the fun begins! - Borodin Quartet 8 October 2009 Review Hearing the Borodins live in concert connects us to the source of Russia’s musical legacy with all its attendant complexities and triumphs. The Globe and Mail Toronto - Borodin Quartet 8 October 2009 Review I know of no other quartet in which the players efface themselves as selflessly as in the Borodin NZ Herald - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 8 October 2009 Review We were transfixed from [his] very first phrase. Sachsische Zeitung - The Song Company 8 October 2009 Review Their rendition was perfect, revealing a structural insight of utmost clarity … - The Song Company 8 October 2009 Review Their daring approach to repertoire is a fabulous challenge and stimulus... - Josef Spacek with Michael Houstoun (CMNZ tour) 8 October 2009 Review A true natural, he plays with a deep passion and a personal voice that will carry him to the top of his field. - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 8 October 2009 Review To play with someone of his experience, knowledge and powerful musicality was very inspiring. - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 8 October 2009 Review I thoroughly enjoyed my last collaboration with the Doric String Quartet and am looking forward hugely to this one. Gramophone - Piers Lane and the Doric String Quartet 8 October 2009 Review No praise could be high enough for Piers Lane... The Otago Daily Times - Goeknil Meryem Biner and Tom McGrath 3 May 2007 Review Passion, conviction and purity of tone enhance recital Sydney Morning Herald - The Song Company 30 November -0001 Review “… the Song Company again showed themselves not only unembarrassable, but brilliant. - Schubertiade 30 November -0001 Review One of the wonderful qualities in Michael’s playing is his sense of the architecture of a piece - NZTrio 30 November -0001 Review The NZTrio are a gift to New Zealand composers. - Schubertiade 30 November -0001 Review I have been playing with the New Zealand String Quartet since it was established – a pure pleasure.

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