Celebrated pianist Michael Houstoun to play in Whanganui

Piano maestro Michael Houstoun will perform at the Royal Wanganui Opera House on Friday. Photo/Robert Catto

Celebrated pianist Michael Houstoun will perform at the Royal Wanganui Opera House this Friday.

Houstoun's performance is the final concert in Chamber Music Wanganui's 50th-anniversary series.

"Michael continues to inspire audiences with his solo and collaborative performances," says Chamber Music's Ingrid Culliford.

"A solo recital from Michael Houstoun is always inspiring, and an event not to be missed."

Houston's programme centres around the four Chopin ballades, complemented by Mozart's A minor Sonata K 310 and Bach's English Suite no 2 in A minor.

He will play Chopin's pianoforte ballades composed between 1831 and 1842, which Culliford says are "a feast of Romanticism".

"The ballads were composed in one movement and take the listener through a range of emotion, demanding tender simplicity one moment followed immediately by extreme technical virtuosity."

In September, a Dunedin reviewer described Houstoun's "sublimely powerful deliveries" of the music.

"Dramatic outbursts contrasted with passionate returning nostalgic themes, and his rapt audience rewarded with long applause and a standing ovation"

Culliford said Chamber Music Wanganui would like to thank all the sponsors who have helped to make the 50th Anniversary series a success, and especially Driving Miss Daisy, the nominated sponsor for the final concert.

Michael Houstoun: Friday, November 9, 7.30pm, Royal Wanganui Opera House. Tickets are available online at seatadvisor, or on the night, from the Royal Wanganui Opera House. Adults $35, Seniors $32, CMW Subscribers $20, Students $5.