Pianist comes out of retirement for concert
Houstoun to play in Waikanae after Covid cancellations
After a period of postponing, rescheduling and devising various ways of holding concerts under Covid audience restrictions, the Waikanae Music Society is celebrating a return to normal concert activity when New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun performs.
Two years ago Houstoun planned to retire after an extended farewell tour.
He opened the year with a triumphant sell-out concert in Waikanae but then Covid got in the way.
By the time he had completed his rescheduled commitments he was well into 2021 and his appetite for retirement had dwindled.
Now proudly “unretired”, he relishes the enthusiasm of his audiences and claims that he loves them just as much as they love him.
He will be performing a varied and attractive programme, ranging from a Bach English Suite to two charming little Waltzes by Chinese/New Zealand composer Gao Ping. Music by Ravel leads to Schumann’s famous Humoreske and the concert will close with a brilliant show of Chopin.
For the safety and peace of mind of their more vulnerable concertgoers the society has decided to retain the use of vaccine passes, which, along with masks, will be required.