Christopher’s Classics Series XX – 2015 presents “Douglas Lilburn in Context”

Christopher’s Classics Series XX – 2015 presents Mark Menzies with Gretchen la Roche and Flavio Villani – ‘Lilburn in Context’ on Wednesday 12th August 2015, 8.00 p.m. at Church of St Michael and All Angels, 86 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch.

This talented trio celebrates the centennial of Douglas Lilburn’s birth with repertoire that highlights Lilburn’s impressive contribution to the world of music.  Alongside two of Lilburn’s instrumental masterpieces, the Violin Sonata and Nine Short Pieces for Piano, they’ve chosen two pieces written around the same time, Bartok’s brilliantly conceived Hungarian gypsy/jazz combo, Contrasts for violin, clarinet and piano, and Prokofiev’s songful violin sonata.  Offerings by Schumann, Ravel and Debussy (whose Golliwog’s Cakewalk receives the tango treatment) are matched by Mark Menzies’ tribute to the late Jack Body, a student and close friend of Douglas Lilburn.

Los Angeles based violinist Menzies, a graduate of Canterbury University, has a world-wide career, frequently offering recently written compositions alongside highly spirited interpretations of older repertoire.  breath, only spirit, his tribute to Jack Body, is written as an adornment to Body’s solo violin composition, Aeolian Harp.  Joining Menzies is Italian born Flavio Villani, well respected for a burgeoning career as a collaborative and solo pianist, and renowned clarinetist Gretchen la Roche who is currently Chief Executive of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Programme:
Schumann – Violin Sonata No. 1, op.105
Bartok – Contrasts
Lilburn – Violin Sonata
Menzies – breath, only spirit (tribute to Jack Body)
Lilburn – Nine Short Pieces for Piano
Debussy – Golliwog’s Cakewalk
Ravel – Pieces in the form of a Habanera
Prokofiev – Violin Sonata No. 2, op. 94a

For more information contact: Diana Moir, (03) 355 2691, 021 126 5738, dhmoir@xtra.co.nz

Ticket information: Door sales – cash only! $40.00 Adults; $15.00 full-time students

Bring a cushion to soften the pews at St Michael and All Angels.