Aroha String Quartet with Clarinettist Rachel Vernon

After a disappointing cancellation of their June concert due to level 2 lockdown, the Greytown Music Group is hoping all will be well for their next concert, on Sunday 22 August, when the Aroha Quartet will join forces with Rachel Vernon on clarinet.

The Aroha String Quartet was formed in 2004, and is now one of NZ’s finest chamber music ensembles. Original members violinist Haihong Liu and violist Zhongxian Jin were joined by cellist Robert Ibell in 2009, and violinist Konstanze  Artman in 2018. They like having guest performers from time to time, adding an extra dimension to the music. Last year they toured with oboist Robert Orr, and this year it is the turn of the clarinet. Rachel Vernon has held the position of principal bass clarinet in the NZSO since 1995, has recorded for Radio NZ, and performed as a soloist with local orchestras.

The programme, “Clarity”, features the clear pure voice of the clarinet, contrasting with the strings,  in two of the best-loved works in the chamber music repertoire: the gorgeous clarinet quintets by Mozart and Brahms. The middle work in this programme is Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”, composed in 1982. Featured in the 1984 Italian film “Enrico lV” (Henry lV), “Oblivion” has been described as haunting and atmospheric, and is considered to be one of Piazzolla’s most popular tangos. Haihong says “While “Oblivion” has been recorded with many different instrumental combinations, eg saxophone quartet, oboe and orchestra, we think that the clarinet and string quartet is the best! It is a piece which speaks of love, sophistication, and whispered sadness.”

The concert will be at 57 Wood St, Greytown, at 4pm on Sunday 22 August. Admission $25, $10 for students. For bookings contact Ed and Juliet Cooke: 06 304 9497 or efjacooke@gmail.com.

Captured Just 4 You

Exhibition of Wairarapa Digital Creations

Come along to this exhibition showcasing the Wairarapa and support local Carterton photographer Andrew Fawcett. 

Andrew’s speciality is creating stunning and unique canvas wall art from photos he’s taken of natural scenes and flora/fauna. Using refined and advanced digital techniques, the beauty of nature is enhanced and formed into very special digital creations. Some have a quirky twist!  As well as single canvases, the exhibition will also feature triptychs and panoramas. 

Andrew says, “Every one of the photos featured has made a special impact on me; each resulting piece I’ve created is unique. I hope you’ll agree that my work is unlike any other you’ve seen before.”

The canvas wall art, as well as classic framed photographs, are also available via his website www.capturedjust4you.com, with worldwide free shipping. 

The exhibition is at Colombo Vineyard, Martinborough, from 6 August to 6 September. 

Watch out Cobra Kai!  Local karate club takes out Champion Dojo Trophy

On Saturday 12 June, Wairarapa’s Okinawa Goju-ryu Karate (OGKWI) club competed against karate clubs from across the lower North Island to win the overall Kāpiti Karate Academy Championships.   

13 karate students from South Wairarapa travelled to Kāpiti to compete against students from 12 other karate clubs in kata (technique), kobudo (weapons), and kumite (sparring).  An overall Champion Dojo Trophy was up for grabs for the club with the most points per member at the end of the event.  OGKWI students received the most points per member as well as winning a whopping 17 medals (4 gold, 7 silver and 6 bronze).   This meant the club took out the overall competition trophy. … Continue Reading

The Mid Week Tennis Girls

Every Thursday morning between 9.00am and mid-day the Martinborough girls are out on the local tennis court stretching the muscles and pounding the balls.  It is not a silent game as a bubble of chatter and gossip is exchanged between serves and sets. Occasionally the game even comes to a halt when a particularly juicy bit of information is exchanged. Nevertheless, competition is the name of the game.  Earnest expressions indicate that winning is still very much the goal.

Considering the age range of players vacillates from intermediate to senior the power of the ball being bandied about varies considerably within the limits of strength of the players.  When it is more difficult to hit the ball as vigorously as one would like, graft and cunning are useful skills to have. And some of these girls are experts. Believe me!!!  … Continue Reading