Martinborough Music Festival 2019; 27 – 29 September
Edward Allen presided over a meeting of the organising team for the Festival on 14 January. Yes, that does seem early however there is much to be done. The Team are particularly excited by the prospect of mounting the Festival in the refurbished Martinborough Town Hall. This new venue does present new challenges which are better sorted out sooner rather than later.
While there will be some who are disappointed the Festival is not returning to St Andrew’s Church Hall, the decision was also guided by the feedback survey to the 2018 Festival which indicated a preference for the Town Hall. The Town Hall has a reputation for a superior acoustic and has been compared favourably with the Wellington Town Hall, also said to have the best acoustic for a venue of this type in New Zealand.
Other respondents wrote that the Town Hall facilities would be an improvement too. The extra space will give the opportunity to walk around the foyer areas and through to the supper room rather than having to go outside to stretch your legs, particularly if the weather isn’t good. It negates the need to transfer to another venue for any related functions.
What we can say, is that the feedback was unaminous when it came to the programme on offer last year. Artistic Director, Vicki Jones, is working hard to secure artists for this year’s Festival. So far we can confirm that Michael Houstoun (who needs no introduction), Wilma Smith (violin), Christopher Moore (viola) and the talented young cellist who made such an impression on our audiences last year, Matthias Balzat, are returning.
It was with regret that the Team said farewell to Martin and Katherine Lawrence who are moving to Cambridge. Sharon Cuzens, Andrew Morrison and Murray Pashby have joined the remaining Team – Edward Allen, Brendan Smythe, Marion Townend and Winifred Bull.
Be sure to diary the Martinborough Music Festival dates now. Visit the Martinborough Music Festival website and face book page www.Martinboroughmusicfestival.co.nz
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