The Society’s Life Members
Throughout the early years of the Society and continuing today, a number of members have given service above and beyond the call of duty. These members have made the Society what it is today. Their contribution and dedication in promoting chamber music for the people of this District has been acknowledged by bestowing upon them a Life membership of the Society.
Present Life Members
Katherine Jenkins
Katherine has made a significant contribution to the Society through her work on the committee since 2013, especially as organiser of the Student Musicians’ Concerts for several years.
Donald Armstrong
Donald’s popular Amici Ensemble has performed for the Society since 1989 and has been part of every season since 1999, a remarkable achievement.
Michael Houstoun
Michael’s concerts have brought immeasurable pleasure to Waikanae audiences from his very first appearance in 1986 until his farewell concert in February 2020.
Lengthy and ongoing support and encouragement of the Society.
Jay joined the committee in 2001 and has been vice president since 2015. Highly regarded for her catering at the concerts.
Long-serving committee member and Secretary from 1995 to 2015. Now currently serving as President.
Long-serving committee member and President from 1991 to 2015. Currently serving as Membership Secretary. Responsible for 20 years of stage floral arrangements. Frequent performer in early Society concerts.
Foundation member. Long-time committee member, Concert Manager since 1981. Major fundraiser for the Grotrian piano. Frequent performer in early Society concerts.
Foundation Member. Loaned her Steinway grand piano to the Society facilitating fund-raising until such time as our own Grotrian piano was purchased.
Honouring our past Life Members
Ralph joined the committee as Treasurer in 2001 and retired in 2014. His contribution to the financial well being and membership increase of the Society and his astute management of the piano replacement fund, facilitated the purchase in 2010 of the Fazioli piano.
Long-serving committee member, including terms as President, Secretary and newsletter editor.
Arnold Solomons
Arnold joined the committee in 1995 and was Vice President from 2001 to 2012. He has been a great mentor to the Society and was founder, Trustee and Patron of the Society’s Charitable Trust for Young Musicians.
Long-serving committee member and Vice-President for some years. Also acting Treasurer on a number of occasions. Responsible for producing posters for many years.
Foundation member, committee member and Treasurer for nearly 20 years. Frequent performer in early Society concerts.
Foundation member and long-serving committee member, including President and Secretary. Largely responsible for purchase of the Grotrian piano and for fund-raising activities.
Foundation member. Long serving committee member, including a period as Secretary. Provider of teas at concerts for a decade.
Foundation President responsible for establishment of the constitution and functioning of the Society. Was, with his wife Patricia, a major contributor to the Grotrian piano fund and pushed for the early purchase of this piano.
Founder and early Patron of the Society whose vision set the standards for those who followed. A renowned violinist who performed at many of the early concerts.