Review: Klara Kollektiv lived up to their name in Rotorua performance

Klara Kollektiv performed in Rotorua on Tuesday. Photo/Supplied

Klara in Swedish means 'clarity' and the accomplished clarinet, violin and piano group Klara Kollektiv lived up to their name with direct and vital performances.

When playing most of the programme items as duos, their artistry and individual personalities were consistently apparent.

Three Scenes for Solo Clarinet, inspired from our forest life, by the New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie had been written for Klara's Anna McGregor and her mixture of exuberance and restraint was aptly evocative of the work's themes.

Violinist Manu Berkeljon and pianist Taru Kurki formed a fine partnership for Cesar Franck's noted sonata, and their flexible lyrical flow was winning.

The refinement and freshness displayed for short pieces by Lilburn and Sibelius gave these considerable appeal and satisfaction.

When the three instrumentalists came together for the finale, Bartok's Contrasts for Clarinet, Violin and Piano, they caught the diverse moods and textures splendidly, although its musical complexity made big demands on the audience.

- Supplied by Hanno Fairburn

The details:
- What: The Klara Kollektiv
- When: Tuesday
- Where: Blue Baths