10 Aug 2018

Upbeat for Friday 10 August

From Upbeat, 1:00 pm on 10 August 2018

 

Midday

London’s Royal College of Music renames its Masters in Piano Accompaniment to Masters of Collaborative Piano

 

1pm: Alfredo Bernardini and Alberto Grazzi: Ensemble Zefiro

Ensemble Zefiro

Ensemble Zefiro Photo: Andrea Rognoni

The extraordinary colours of 17th and 18th century woodwind instruments have lent Italy’s Ensemble Zefiro a cult following. Founded by Maestri dei legni Alfredo Bernardini (oboe) and Alberto Grazzi (bassoon), this period-instrument ensemble have won numerous awards. They’re performing two programmes in New Zealand: the first features Handel, Fasch, Telemann, Haydn and Mozart; and the second is dedicated to Mozart. They are performing eight concerts nationally 10 to 22 August, beginning today at Wellington Michael Fowler Centre.

 

1.30   Gao Ping and Xiao Ma: A voice bridging China and the West

Chinese countertenor Xiao Ma

Chinese countertenor Xiao Ma Photo: Supplied

Composer Gao Ping and counter tenor Xiao Ma premiere their Orchestra Wellington commission Wild Cherry Tree tomorrow night. Gao Ping has written the five-movement symphony with songs especially for Xiao Ma, to give his three octave range a chance to shine. The pair tell Eva Radich how their shared Sichuan heritage has blossomed in this unique hybrid of Chinese and Western music.

Gao PIng composer and pianist

Gao PIng composer and pianist Photo: Supplied

 

2pm:  Ballet: William Walton’s The Quest