The Pettman Ensemble is undertaking a tour of the UK and Germany in September, and the Greytown Music Group is fortunate to be hosting a pre-tour concert from the group in Greytown on 23 July at 4pm.
Funded by British philanthropists Barrie and Maureen Pettman, who believe that musically gifted children should be financially helped to reach their full potential, the 2017 Ensemble is composed of Auckland University senior lecturers pianist Stephen De Pledge and cellist Edith Salzmann, violinist Amalia Hall, honours student violist Julie Park, and 15 year old violinist Benedict Lim.
They will be playing in various combinations: Lilburn Sonata for violin and piano, Bliss Piano Quartet, Subtle Dances for piano trio by Claire Cowan, and the Elgar Piano Quintet in A minor.
Edith Salzmann has had a long association with the Pettmans, forming the Pettman National Junior Academy of Music with her husband in 2005. She is the current Artistic Director of the Academy, and the creator of the International Akaroa Music Festival.
Stephen De Pledge owes his musical career to a toy xylophone, given to him as a small child. He played it so much that his parents bought a piano! Although Stephen’s career has focussed on the piano,he also played viola and oboe, sang, and conducted.
Amalia Hall won all the major music awards in New Zealand while still in her teens, having made her musical debut at the age of 9 with the Auckland Philharmonic. After studying and playing overseas, she has recently returned to NZ, is teaching at Waikato University, doing solo performances, and in taking up the reins as Concertmaster at Orchestra Wellington, she has become NZ’s youngest concertmaster.
Julie Park was born in South Korea, and immigrated with her family to New Zealand as a 4 year old. She began by learning the violin, but was so impressed and attracted by the deeper, richer sound of the viola, that she switched instruments.
Benedict Lim has been described as a child prodigy. He began performing at student recitals at the age of 4, and a year later he was mastering pieces that would normally be taught to 12 or 13 year olds. Since the age of 7 he has been a Pettman Scholar each year, learning from Stephen Larsen in Christchurch and Auckland. He has been winning 1st prizes and receiving scholarships for 10 years, in New Zealand, Australia, New York and Italy, and has had countless lessons and masterclasses with international violinists.
This is a concert not to be missed!
Pettman Ensemble: 4pm at 57 Wood Street, Greytown, on Sunday 23 July. Admission $25, students $10. Bookings essential – phone Ed and Juliet Cooke on 06 304 9497.
