Christopher’s Classics: Tennant-Austin Duo

This concert is full under Level 2 Lockdown. If we return to Level 1, we will reopen bookings.
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PROGRAMME: Beethoven ~ Cello Sonata No.3 in A major, Op. 69
John Psathas ~ Halo
Chopin ~ Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65

This concert begins with the Beethoven cello sonata No.3 in A major, Op. 69, which the contemporary cellist Steven Isserlis describes as the first cello sonata in history to give the two instruments equal importance.

The pre-eminent New Zealand critic William Dart praised the duo in his New Zealand Herald review of the world premiere of John Psathas’ Halo for their “distinctive and authoritative voice” and ability to “fearlessly tackle” the power of this work.

The final work of the concert is Chopin Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 65, was the last of Chopin's works to be published in his lifetime. In his preview of our 2020 season, Tony Ryan states that, for anyone who’s never heard it, it is a real gem. You’ll love it.

James Tennant is a renowned cellist who is on the staff at the University of Waikato. He has gained many awards and prizes for his solo and chamber music performances. His students have regularly won the New Zealand Concerto Competition and recently one of his students, Santiago Canon-Valencia, received second prize at the 2019 Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia. Highly acclaimed New Zealand pianist Katherine Austin has performed chamber music widely in New Zealand and internationally. Their program includes a piece by New Zealand composer John Psathas which was commissioned by the Duo and first performed in 2016.

Christopher’s Classics
The Christopher’s Classics programme, founded by Christopher Marshall, has become a mainstay of the Christchurch chamber music scene, showcasing some of New Zealand’s finest musicians. Following the 27 August concert, the 2020 series features Aroha String Quartet with Robert Orr (oboe) (3 September), and NZ Trio (7 October).