Christopher’s Classics Series XXI – 2016 – “Amici Ensemble”

Christopher’s Classics Series XXI – 2016 presents “Amici Ensemble” on Wednesday 5th October 2016, 7.30 p.m. at The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch 8140.

Christchurch raised composer Anthony Ritchie’s new work ‘Ants: Sextet’ takes as its theme the life of that remarkable creature, the ant.  Written for two violins, two violas and two cellos, the piece was commissioned by Christopher Marshall for Amici Ensemble to paly in the 2016 Christopher’s Classics series.

“Although there are hundreds of species of ant, this music is more informed by their generic characteristics: a fierce work ethic, their commitment to the community before the individual and a consistently high level of activity.  The piece also portrays some of the challenges in their lives, such as other invading ants, and anteaters, ” the composer says.

Programme:

• Ants: Sextet – Anthony Ritchie
• Souvenir de Florence, Opus 70 – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
• String Sextet G Major, Opus 36 – Johannes Brahm

Musicians:
Violin:  Donald Armstrong, Malavika Gopal
Viola: Julia Joyce, Andrew Thomson
Cello: Andrew Joyce, Ken Ichinose

Amici Ensemble was formed in 1988 by New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong with the purpose of performing works of all periods for differing combinations of instruments, from the very small to the very large.  The performers, mostly principal players with the NZSO and leading chamber musicians on the New Zealand music scene, are noted for their musicality and special ability to relate to audiences.  The Ensemble has premiered many works and records regularly for RNZ.

For more information, contact: classics@ihug.co.nz.  Tickets are available through www.eventfinda.co.nz or via cash or Eftpos on the night – $40.00 and Students with ID $15.00.

Organiser: Christopher’s Classics, classics@ihug.co.nz