Michael Houstoun in Concert

Michael Houstoun in Concert

Nelson School of Music patron and leading New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun is to perform a fundraising concert to support the School’s redevelopment project.

The concert will be performed on the School’s ‘Sturgeon Steinway’ piano at Old St John’s in Hardy Street, 8pm on Saturday 23rd April.

School of Music spokesman Bob Bickerton said it was a great tribute to the School to have this support from New Zealand’s most prominent international pianist.

“In a sense Michael Houstoun, coming from South Canterbury and being raised on a farm, shows the transformative effect that excelling in music can have on a person’s life and career,” he said. “He has been a household name in New Zealand for more than 35 years after winning every significant prize for pianists in the country by the age of 18 and placing internationally at three of the world’s most distinguished piano competitions – an as yet unmatched record in international competition by a New Zealand pianist.”

Houstoun said his own connection to the Nelson School of Music goes back to his earliest days of public performance.

“I feel I have been playing there all my life. Some years ago I became a Patron of the school along with Dame Malvina Major and this formalised my relationship. So it feels absolutely natural and right for me to be involved in fundraising for the rebuild. I hope people will come along and that we’ll be able to throw a good amount of money into the rebuild ‘pot’.”

The programme for the concert will include J S Bach Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tempered Klavier, three Brahms’ Intermezzi, plus works by Poulenc and Fauré.

The Nelson School of Music is currently undergoing a $6.4 million redevelopment project following closure due to earthquake risk. This concert is part of a community fundraising programme, which currently includes a seat sponsorship campaign.
Tickets are $45 and available from the Theatre Royal (03) 5483840 ortheatreroyalnelson.co.nz

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