First, it’s the music. Chamber music may sometimes be thought of as difficult and not easily approached by those who are more familiar with the symphonic form.
But chamber music is not just a cut-down version of symphonic or orchestral classical music: it’s a special form that is more like a conversation among the musicians, with the audience able to listen in.
There’s no conductor, and players must keep their own discipline as they communicate across the stage through eye contact and other subtle, wordless gestures.
The audience often feels privileged to be listening into a personal and intimate exchange between players.
There always seems to be a closer connection between a chamber ensemble and its audience, not just because of the intimacy of the ‘chamber’, but also because chamber music can be more emotional than larger scale works.
Chamber music is also broader than piano and strings. This year’s festival features the classical saxophone of Simon Brew, who has enjoyed significant success with that instrument in New Zealand and Europe.
This year’s festival programme includes music that is both ‘old’ (composers like Bach and Mozart)and ‘new’ — one so new that Louise Webster’s piano quartet Shifting Worlds, commissioned for this year’s Festival, will have its world premiere performance.
Second, the performances at the Martinborough Festival are special, because none of these artists have previously played in the groups they will form for this year’s concerts. They all come together to rehearse in the days before the Festival weekend.
Some of them are well established and well known to New Zealand audiences — like Wilma Smith and Donald Armstrong, who share the musical direction of the Martinborough festival. Others are new to Martinborough — like husband-and-wife violinists Yuri Zhislin and Natalia Lomeiko, based in London.
Others have a special connection with the Martinborough Festival. Many remember the stunning debut of a nervous but engaging young Matthias Balzat at the 2018 festival, an acclaimed performance just before he left for Germany and advanced cello studies. Now he’s back for his sixth Festival, with a list of competition successes, performances with major orchestras, and newly named as a member of NZTrio.
Third, the Martinborough Town Hall is a special venue for chamber music. Its size is ideal for this more intimate music genre, and for the closer connection between players and audience. The acoustics provide a clarity of sound described as “world class” by an Auckland aficionado at the 2024 festival. The use of tiered seating also allows everybody to see the performers.
Martinborough itself adds a special character to the festival. There are house parties before and after concerts; concertgoers share meals and then walk across the Square to the hall or return afterwards for coffee or drinks. There are opportunities for audience members to meet and talk with performers.
The environment, the venue and the vibe are all quite intimate and approachable. Just like the music. Not at all difficult.
See martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz for details of concerts and artists and a link to ticket sales.
