The Trust Board of the Martinborough Music Festival (MMF) is delighted that Donald Armstrong, the NZ Symphony Orchestra Associate Concertmaster, has accepted the position of Festival Co-Artistic Director. This position was vacated by Vicki Jones who resigned last December.
Donald joins Wilma Smith as Co-Artistic Director. He says “I could not think of a more wonderful person to work with. Wilma and I go back to teenage years. We sat together at the front of the NZ Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) and have stayed in touch over our careers. I am also excited to carry on the work of Vicki Jones. She, along with all the Martinborough crew, have created a wonderfully attractive festival”.
Born into a musical family, Donald began learning the violin when he was seven. “I have never regretted learning the violin, it suits my character”. He began his professional studies with the Schola Musica (NZBC Orchestra trainees) and the National Youth Orchestra. At 19, he joined the NZ Symphony Orchestra. From this time, Donald has been on an upward trajectory with his career winning prizes and scholarships in New Zealand and at prestigious institutions overseas. He held key orchestral positions in Denmark and France.
On his return to New Zealand in 1987 he was appointed Associate Concertmaster of the NZSO, a position he still holds. Conducting is something else Donald does regularly as well as performing as a soloist. After 36 years, the Amici Ensemble which he founded, is still going strong. Donald plays a violin by Nicolo Gagliano of 1754.
It is no surprise that Donald’s life is consumed with music “there are not many things more fun than playing concerts or passing on the joy of music. A lot of my free time is spent on musical activities”. He says “I am interested in preserving and advancing New Zealand’s musical heritage. As a violinist, conductor and mentor I enjoy encouraging young instrumentalists while continuing my quest for the wild, wacky and wonderful in music”.
As far as the future of chamber music is concerned, Donald has no hesitation in saying it will always be with us as an art form “if you listen to a piece like a Brahms Quintet you will know that chamber music will always be alive, and people will always want to listen to it”.
Of the 2023 MMF he says “we have an awesome line-up of performers and programmes. I can’t wait to start”.
He does make room in his busy musical life for Badminton, Mountain Biking and relaxing at his bolthole on the Kapiti Coast. Currently, Donald is collaborating with his brother, writer and columnist Dave Armstrong, as musical director of a new play “In Bed With Schoenberg” which is on at Circa Theatre in February and March. Donald says, “through Schoenberg’s eyes we see the old traditionalists from Mahler to Johann Strauss, Stravinsky to Gershwin, as well as the emotional wreck of Schoenberg’s disciples, all during a tumultuous time of world history”. Bookings are at https://www.circa.co.nz/package/in-bed-with-schoenberg/
The Martinborough Music Festival is on 22-24 September. The Artists and Programme will be announced on 1 April via the MMF website. www.martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz
