Hammers & Horsehair present period classics from the 1922 tour, such as Arditi's Il Bacio and Love's a Merchant by Molly Carew for soprano and piano, Percy Kahn's own arrangement of his Ave Maria for soprano, cello and keyboard, Orientale by Cui, and Rimsky Korsakov's Chanson Indoue for cello and piano.
Their programme also includes some of their own favourites, including Brahms Intermezzo in B-flat and Schubert Impromptu in A-flat for piano solo, and L'Etoile by Offenbach for soprano, cello and piano.
The musical items are interspersed with anecdotes from the 1922 Rosina Buckman tour, comparing the touring life then and now, and adding local or personal history appropriate to the pieces.
Based now in Wellington, soprano Rowena Simpson studied singing and historical performance practice at the Royal Conservatoire in the Netherlands. While living in Europe, she performed with professional chamber ensembles and was a soloist in the baroque and classical repertoires.
Since returning to New Zealand in 2006, Rowena has developed a freelance career in chamber music and opera, performing for many organisations including Chamber Music NZ (Barocca & Toku Ao), Stroma New Music Ensemble, NZ Barok, CBS Music Trust, Pinchgut Opera (Sydney), Days Bay Opera and as a member of the NZ Opera chorus.
Cellist Robert Ibell is well known to Whanganui audiences from the many times he has performed here. From 1993 to 2020 he was a member of the NZSO and he is also an experienced chamber musician, touring regularly for Chamber Music New Zealand.
Douglas Mews is well known for his performances on organ, harpsichord, and fortepiano. As well as his freelance performing, Douglas is a lecturer at the NZ School of Music and director of music at St Teresa's Catholic Church.
Chamber Music Wanganui would like to express their thanks to Driving Miss Daisy Whanganui for their sponsorship of this concert.
The Details
What: Hammers & Horsehair: reimagining the 1922 New Zealand tour of Rosina Buckman (soprano) with Adelina Leon (cello) and Percy Kahn (pianist-composer)
When: Wednesday, March 17, 7.30pm
Where: Prince Edward Auditorium of Whanganui Collegiate School
Tickets: Tickets: $35 adults, $32 seniors, $20 Chamber Music Wanganui subscribers, $5 students in advance from the Royal Wanganui Opera House or at the door (no eftpos).
