Welcome to NZTrio’s Website
NZTrio thrives on connecting with audiences through intimate and exhilarating performances, and in 2012 will be celebrating ten years together. The trio’s refreshing programmes juxtapose classical masterpieces with brilliant contemporary works, mix musical cultures and genres, and involve collaborations with a broad range of international artists.
December 2011 High notes Newsletter
Watch NZTrio's latest YouTube video
During our recent trip to Melbourne, Stuart Greenbaum's gorgeous 800 Million Heartbeats was filmed for YouTube. CLICK HERE to view this beautiful work on our WATCH AND LISTEN page - simply select WATCH THE VIDEO of 800 Million Heartbeats.
Our Next Concert
New Zealand International Arts Festival
17 March 2012
Ilott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall,
Wellington
NZTrio joins forces with outstanding percussionists Lenny Sakofsky and Jeremy Fitzsimons for this programme of vast sonic scope and visual energy.
Enjoy the funky toe-tapping music of Kenji Bunch, a world premiere piece by Jack Body, and four other meditative works – in a programme marked by freedom and fluidity.
At its heart will be a rare performance of American composer George Crumb’s mesmerising Dream Sequence (Images II), an extraordinary piece that is perhaps the most adventurous of Crumb’s explorations into his characteristic realm of sound events.
Kenji Bunch Swing Shift: Groovebox
Jack Body World Premiere
Morton Feldman Durations 4
John Psathas Fragment
George Crumb Dream Sequence (Images II)
Victoria Kelly Sono
Kenji Bunch Concerto for piano trio and percussion
RECENT REVIEWS
William Dart - New Zealand Herald
02 April 2011
Helix is an attractive collection of chamber music that offers the chance to get up close and personal with Psathas...NZTrio's shattering title piece,
with a Tarantismo movement that almost rivals the recent Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra version for firing power, guarantees goosebumps. 5/5 rating.
NZTrio audience - via 2011 concert feedback forms
19 April 2011
What a superb concert!!! The rich, full sound, the immaculate ensemble playing, the variety in the programme and the zest of the players were an absolute joy.
Bravo. Fantastic!!
Wonderful varied programme, superb musicians. Thanks!
Bedazzled!!! Wonderful!!!
Stunning - Loved the way you engaged equally with all composers…from delicacy to power.
Very vibrant, enthusiastic and musically alive. Great range of pieces with huge projection.
Programme exceptional and great to see musicians so enjoying themselves.
Wonderful music making, performed beautifully. A stimulating afternoon's music. Thank you.
Great fun!! So good to hear new compositions by young composers. Well done. PS. Come to London :-)
Lively, Enjoyable. Skilled. Thank you.
Out of this world.
AMAZING!! Thank you so much x
Totally outstanding! Loved every second.
Inspired playing.
Fantastic as always!
Magnificent. Great interaction!
Wonderful performance!
Fantastic. It is a privilege to be at this concert. Many thanks!
Great variety of modern and traditional classical music. Appealed to young and old.
Marian Poole - freelance music critic for the Listener and Otago Daily Times
04 May 2011
NZTrio have become a national treasure. Their performances are always slick, intelligent and professional – just as can be expected – however they are also delightfully and refreshingly lacking in pretentious ostentation.
Lindis Taylor - Middle C
28 July 2011
NZTrio is among the most accomplished full-time professional chamber groups in New Zealand. While there is a large repertoire for piano trio, much of the 18th century is domestic or salon music, even that of Haydn and Mozart; almost all the relatively few great works are of the 19th century. Thus a piano trio is right to devote a lot of effort to exploring contemporary repertoire, and particularly to commission New Zealand music. All these things NZTrio does splendidly.
William Dart - New Zealand Herald
02 August 2011
...It is always a pleasure to relax and enjoy the sheer musicianship of this group. Brown, Justine Cormack and Sarah Watkins understand just what it takes to put the musical jigsaw together; and, with the testing weave of Brahms' opening Allegro, that proved a decided asset. From the zest-filled variations of the Andante through to a glittering whirl of a Scherzo, this was a performance to savour.
At the other end of the evening Schubert's B flat Trio was delivered with immense spirit and a real feeling for the composer's songfulness, only slightly marred by minor lapses in intonation. The highlight here was a brilliantly hued Rondo, with cimbalon-like tremolo from the strings and Watkins drawing a real gleam from the Museum's Fazioli...