The Klara Kollektiv is a trio formed in 2016 as an off-shoot of the Dalacarlia Clarinet Quintet who played for us in 2016. Based in Sweden, the group includes New Zealanders Anna McGregor (clarinet) and violinist Manu Berkeljon. Anna has performed with many of Sweden’s top orchestras and is currently Associate Principal Clarinet at Wermland Opera in Karlstad. Manu has played in orchestras throughout New Zealand, Australia, Sweden and England and since 2011 has been Associate Principle Second Violin in the DalaSinfoniettan. They are joined for this tour by Finnish-born pianist Taru Kurki, Head of Piano Department at the Falun Music Conservatory in Sweden. The group’s name is derived from the word klar (meaning clear) and also from the river Klara which runs past Anna’s apartment in the city of Karlstadt. Kollektiv is the Swedish spelling of the word ‘collective’.  

The ensemble’s programme reflects the New Zealand heritage of two of the performers, with a work by one of this country’s most respected composers, Anthony Ritchie. Two major duo sonatas will follow – the famous Franck Violin Sonata and Brahms’ richly atmospheric Clarinet Sonata No 1. The concert will conclude with the colourful rhythms and exotic folk tunes of a trio by Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian.

This concert is presented in association with