Instrumental bonds

VIEUX AMIS: After losing a performer when the travel bubble with Australia popped, old friends James Bush, Justine Cormack and Sarah Watkins are reuniting for a special performance. Picture supplied

Music can bring together culture, country and this weekend it brings together three old friends.

Vieux Amis (Old Friends) brings together violinist Justine Cormack, cellist James Bush, and pianist Sarah Watkins who grew up together in Christchurch.

“When you are playing chamber music everything you do has an impact on the performance,” Cormack says.

“As chamber musicians we love the thrill that comes with that and the responsibility.

“It gives the ability to personally connect with other musicians and the audience. It's a much more personal experience, which is something we really enjoy.”

Cormack and Bush have known each other their whole lives, having grown up across the street from one another.

Their families became close friends, and the children were involved in music at the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music.

Since then, Cormack and Bush have remained close friends throughout their diverse careers.

Watkins first teamed up with Cormack at high school, playing chamber music together through the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music.

Their careers have been tightly intertwined ever since, most recently as founding members of NZTrio.

The group's name, Vieux Amis, is reflective of the three musicians' friendship and skill.

“You need to be of a similar mindset and musical personality because you want to be challenged, Cormack says.

“We know each other very well. We know each other's style and personalities so we have absolute confidence that we can create something special together.”

But the three busy performers never planned the reunion.

The reason the tour was given the French name Vieux Amis is a hangover from the “tour that wasn't”.

Originally there was an Australian coming to New Zealand to play with Cormack and Bush. But when the travel bubble with Australia popped they had to drop out.

“The tour that wasn't was called Les Voisins (Neighbours), and the whole programme was in French,” Cormack says.

In an attempt to salvage the tour, Cormack and Bush asked their old friend — the busy and brilliant Watkins — if she would take the Australian's place.

“We couldn't have imagined a better solution.

“The cancellation has given us this opportunity to come together again to present a beautiful, stunning and powerful programme.”

Cormack says they are thrilled to be back playing together for this very special tour.

Vieux Amis, classical music with beautiful sea views to match. Tiromoana, 41 Winifred Street, Saturday, 3pm. Tickets $25. Children and students free.