Concert for the Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle Fund

Following a successful concert given in late 2022 which raised funds for the Ukrainian Crisis Appeal, the Martinborough String Quartet recently held another concert, this time in aid of the Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle Fund. Once again the venue was the warm and welcoming living room of Ed Allen and Vicki Jones’ house in Dublin Street.

Members of the Quartet – violinists Elizabeth Patchett and Dean Major, viola player Hugh Townend and cellist cum accompanist and bass player Vicki Jones – were joined by free-lance Wellington flautist Rebecca Steel in a programme which was full of variety. The inclusion of a flute enabled a range of combinations – duos, trios, quartets and quintets – with delightful music chosen from the mid-18th century to the late 20th. A colourful highlight was the vivacious Venezuelan folk tune `El Camino Pelao’, arranged for flute and piano. 

News of the February cyclone has receded from the media but the need for support is ongoing as Liz Monaghan, a representative from the Martinborough Group of the Wairarapa Branch of Red Cross, reminded the audience.

The link for donating to the Red Cross Cyclone Gabrielle Fund is: https://www.redcross.org.nz/https://www.redcross.org.nz/

Marion Townend