Acclaim
Vital for your collection
22 February 2006
One of New Zealand’s dashing, young and direct chamber ensembles have released their first CD. NZTrio’s first commercial outing is fittingly entitled Spark (which deserves to be preceded by “Bright”). Violinist Justine Cormack, cellist Ashley Brown and pianist Sarah Watkins have impressive credentials and when they combine there are fireworks (try the third of the Island Songs for energy and verve).
The line-up of composers is equally impressive, a veritable who’s who of New Zealand composers – Athens Olympics composer John Psathas; Victoria Kelly of Strawpeople and the soundtrack for Magik and Rose; Michael Norris, winner of the Douglas Lilburn Prize and co-founder of Stroma; Maria Grenfell, lecturer at the University of Tasmania; Penelope Axtens, winner of the Music 2000 Prize; and Gareth Farr, who wrote the music for the stage show Maui. If you’ve never made the acquaintance of New Zealand music, this would be a terrific place to start and, if you’re an aficionado, this is vital for your collection.
Kate Mead - NZ House and Garden Magazine