World-class musicians support hospice with Trio Masterworks

Otago Community Hospice: Media Release: Friday 14 November 2014

World-class musicians to support Otago Community Hospice with Trio Masterworks

Dynamic young musicians from the UK, the Waley-Cohen, LaFollette, Poster Piano Trio will present two much loved piano trios on Friday 21 November, 7.30pm in Dunedin’s First Church. The musicians are performing as part of a national tour, presented by the Royal Over-seas League. The fundraising event is being organised by the Otago Community Hospice.

Tamsin Waley-Cohen who performs on a 1721 Stradivarius has been described by The Times as a violinist "who held us rapt in daring and undaunted performances" and The Guardian as a performer of "fearless intensity". Waley-Cohen has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, London Chamber Orchestra and in venues across UK and Europe including the Queen Elizabeth and Barbican Halls in London. It is said she fell in love with her instrument at the age of two and is dedicated, saying she plays her Stradivarius “six or seven hours a day”.

Performing with her is Tom Poster, internationally recognized as a pianist of outstanding versatility and artistry and Bartholomew LaFollette on cello. In 2013 LaFollette won the inaugural Art's Club and Decca Records' Classical Music Awards being identified as "the most exciting young classical musician in Britain." He performs on a Benjamin Banks Jr. cello made in 1785.

The ROSL’s Director of Arts from London, Roderick Lakin MBE and Director of ROSL NZ, Lyn Milne are travelling with the musicians. The Trio Masterworks will include the Beethoven Piano Trio in Bb maj. Op97 Archduke and Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No 2 in C Min, Op66. As well as performing concerts throughout New Zealand the Trio will adjudicate the 9th annual Pettman/ROSL Arts Chamber Music Scholarship for Young NZ Musicians at Waikato University (14-16 November).

Regardless of whether you are a chamber music lover or not, this is an event worth attending, to experience these talented young musicians who will perform in a stunning and unique venue in support of the Hospice, says chief executive officer, Ginny Green.

“The grand piano at First Church will be tuned on the day and we are very fortunate to have such world-class talent in Dunedin. I’d like to say thank you to the Royal Over-seas League for making this opportunity available to us.

We have to raise $2 million this year and we’re hopeful that this event will be a significant part of our fundraising. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors and the community.”

Previous ROSL Dunedin based prize winners and scholars have included Patricia Payne contralto (1969), Jonathan Lemalu, bass-baritone (2000) and Helen Bevin (viola) who won a Pettman/ROSL Arts International Scholarship in 2008.

Tickets to the Trio Masterworks are available from the Otago Community Hospice reception, Bond Street, Hanover Street and Mosgiel Hospice Shops or phone 473 6005. Ticket prices: Adults $30, Students $15, Family $50. Door ticket sales will be available. Early booking is recommended.

Attendees are invited for a complimentary pre-concert drink in Burns Hall from 6.30pm, Concert 7.30pm and the opportunity to ‘meet the musicians’ after 9pm in Burns Hall – with an auction, raffles and a cash bar to help raise funds for the Hospice.

Otago Community Hospice is 58% funded by the Southern District Health Board leaving a $2 million shortfall this year. Hospice services are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them so the public are encouraged attend this event, and if they are able, to please make a donation. Every bit helps!! The public can also donate directly, via the Hospice website: www.otagohospice.co.nz

For any enquiries regarding the event, please phone Tessa Scott on 03 473 6005.

ENDS

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