Friends reunited in travelling trio

Ka¯ piti to host three musicians with a global pedigree

The dynamic new piano trio Vieux Amis (Old Friends), set to perform in a Paeka¯ka¯riki concert, brings together three musicians who are longstanding friends, neighbours and musical collaborators.

Violinist Justine Cormack, cellist James Bush and pianist Sarah Watkins all grew up together in Christchurch.

Justine and James grew up on the same street and all the children were involved in music at the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music.

They are enjoying stellar international musical careers — Justine and Sarah both played in the highly acclaimed NZTrio — while James’ fascination with baroque music has led him to play with many of Europe’s top baroque orchestras and ensembles.

They have reunited previously and now they are firming up their partnership and putting it on a more permanent basis, so they are delighted that Ka¯ piti’s Mulled Wine Concerts have asked them to perform.

Organiser Mary Gow said, “I’m very happy that musicians of such a high standard will be able to perform for Ka¯piti audiences and I’m sure that even with the current restrictions, they will be able to present a fantastic performance.”

The ever-present Covid restrictions may limit the number of seats available and require vaccine passes to be shown, but Gow is not letting this slow her.

“We will do everything we can to ensure the concert goes ahead and we are working very hard to ensure that we comply with all the requirements to keep our musicians in work and the audience and performers safe.”

The programme includes works by

J.S. Bach, Dmitri Shostakovich and Arvo Pa¨rt. The latter was born in Estonia and is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary classical music. The programme will showcase original works by him and his arrangement of an Adagio from Mozart’s piano sonata in F minor.