Guest Violinists To Spice Up Spring Concerts Across NZ

NZTrio is soaring into a new era, inviting some of the globe’s top violinists to join them on stages across New Zealand from August to November.Following violinist Justine Cormack’s final Loft concert with the trio in May, the four guest violinists will bring a wealth of experience and a diversity of musical taste to NZTrio’s table.
 
The first guest invited to perform as part of NZTrio is Natalie Lin, who’ll be playing NZTrio: Spiralin Auckland,Christchurchand Wellington. Natalie is a Kiwi-born violinist currently based in Houston, TX. As Founder and Artistic Director of KINETIC, a conductorless ensemble that ‘unites the intimacy of chamber music with the force of the orchestra’, Natalie refers to herself also as an educator and arts entrepreneur.

Concertmaster or lead violinist for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO), Andrew Beer is already well acquainted with NZTrio. Joining them to perform in Auckland’sSeptember programme NZTrio: Exotica, Beer has been described as having a “musical gift” by the New York Times. He has played extensively throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia, and his performances have been broadcast on TV and radio networks worldwide.
 
Miranda Adamsjoins NZTrio in Octoberto play the winning pieces by student composers from the NZTrio Composing Competition in Aucklandand Wellington. This bi-annual competition engages young kiwi minds in classical music, and is key to NZTrio’s ethos of encouraging new and experimental works. Miranda Adams is currently Assistant Concertmaster with the APO, and interestingly, she also leads the Auckland Gamelan group in traditional Indonesian music.

In November, Manu Berkeljon brings her violin to NZTrio to wrap up the season with NZTrio: Soarin Auckland,Christchurchand Wellington. Originally from the West Coast, Berkeljon, currently resides in Sweden with a position in the Dalasinfoniettan orchestra. Berkeljon has performed in symphonies across New Zealand and Australia.
 
Described as a ‘national treasure’ and ‘New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble’ (William Dart, NZ Herald), NZTrio is renowned for their eclectic repertoire, outstanding talent, and warm kiwi stage presence. They smash outmoded preconceptions of classical music being ‘stuffy’ or ‘intimidating’ by presenting a fresh and approachable ethos that appeals to listeners from all walks of life.
 
The exciting collaborations are sure to inspire both musicians and audiences alike – a fitting finalé to the playful NZTrio 2017 programme.