Sunday 9 February at 2.30pm
Houstoun and Amici play Bach
“After almost 50 years as a professional musician I have decided to retire, hang up my fingers, call it quits and begin a new phase of my fortunate life” – Michael Houstoun
Programme
Bach: Trio Sonata from the Musical Offering, BWV 1079
Bach: Partita No 4 in D, BWV 828
Bach: Brandenburg Concerto No 4 in G major, BWV 1049
Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052
Michael Houstoun. Amici: Donald Armstrong, Emma Barron, Anna van der Zee (violins), Andrew Thomson (viola), Ken Ichinose (cello), Oleksandr Gunchenko (double bass), Bridget Douglas and Kirstin Eade (flutes), Douglas Mews (harpsichord)
Michael Houstoun’s concerts have been a constant joy to Waikanae audiences since he first played for us in 1986. Now we have reached the end of an era with his final appearance on our stage. Joining him for this very special occasion will be Donald Armstrong’s popular Amici Ensemble in a programme devoted to the music of J S Bach. We have many memories of Michael playing Bach for us, including his unforgettable performance of the Goldberg Variations in 2012. And one of the Amici Ensemble’s most successful and enjoyable concerts was their all-Bach programme in 2015.
The Amici Ensemble will open the concert with a delightful Trio Sonata for flute, violin and cello with harpsichord continuo, preparing the way for Michael’s solo performance of the great D Major Partita. After the interval the nine-strong Amici Ensemble will play the well-known Brandenburg Concerto No 4 with its solo parts for two flutes. Then all performers join forces for the highlight of the concert – Michael Houstoun playing the Keyboard Concerto in D minor, to end a memorable concert and to provide a stirring farewell to Waikanae Music Society’s much-admired favourite pianist.
This concert is generously supported by the Deane Endowment Trust
