Concert Programme

Mozart Symphony No 1 in E-flat K.16
Haydn piano concerto in D: Vivace
Piano Soloist: Chloe Kang


Mozart piano concerto N 9 K 271 in E-flat major : Allegro.
Piano Soloist: Melanie Wang


Willem Ten Have : Allegro Brillante in A major
Op 19
Violin Soloist: Claire Wu


Interval


Haydn piano concerto in G : Allegro moderato
Piano Soloist: Chloe Wang


Intermezzo, for Olive - world premiere by Erin Fagan
Mozart piano concerto n 20 K 466 in D minor : Allegro
Piano Soloist: Henry Wang

  • Chloe Kang

    Chloe Kang, aged 10 , born in New Zealand, is currently a year 6 student in Pigeon Mountain Primary School. She received her first piano lesson with Matteo Napoli (Vivaldi Academy of Music) at age of five. Her early illuminative teachers also include Elizabeth Lau. 

    Chloe passed ABRAM grade 4 and grade 8 with DISTINCTION at age of 7 and 9 respectively. In 2022 her performance was recognised with Irene Rhodes-Beck Memorial Award for most enjoyable solo piano performance in Lewis Eady Junior Music Contest.

    She is an avid piano performer who seeks opportunities to play and entertain different audiences with various styles of music. She has become the most popular pianist in the school in all events, her costumed and agitato performance of “He’s a Pirate”, a school talent show winner, is well sought-after.

    In her spare time, Chloe is a competitive swimmer and enjoys acrylic painting.

    Tonight Chloe plays Haydn piano concerto in D : Vivace

  • Claire Wu

    Claire Wu, violinist, is 12 years old.
 She started to learn violin in February 2019 with Mr Marcello Napoli.

    Claire immediately demonstrated a particular talent, in fact in the same year she won first prize in the 1st and awarded the Paganini CUP at the New Zealand Asia Pacific Musicians competition. Only 3 years later in November 2022 Claire achieved grade 8 with Distinction.

    The most relevant results that the young Violinist has achieved during these few years are: in 2020 two first prizes in the SAPCS. In 2021 Claire won six first prizes including a first prize with Paganini's Capriccio N 16 at the Tauranga Festival competition.

    In 2022, the grade 8 year, Claire achieved a total of 16 awards, including 10 First Prizes plus, Outstanding Techniques Special Award Bach International Music Competition; Excellent Technique Award Music Grand Prix London; Excellent Techinique Award Manchester I.M.C.;

    Excellent Technique Special Prize Vivaldi International Music competition with Excellence Nomination.

    In 2023 Claire got 13 awards, including Platinum Prize, golden Price with Paganini Capriccio N 16, and 1st prize in WESTPAC.

    Tonight Claire plays Willem Ten Have : Allegro Brillant Op 19

  • Chloe Wang

    Chloe Mengfu Wang is 10 years old and a Year 6 student at Mellons Bay primary School. She embarked on her piano journey four and a half years ago under the guidance of renowned Italian pianist Matteo Napoli. Chloe has been successful in numerous national piano competitions including the championship overall winner at South Auckland piano competition, the first position at the Tauranga piano competition, gold award at the North Shore piano competition and Lewis Eady piano competition. In 2023, Chloe was selected to perform in the New Zealand Young Chinese piano and violin talent concert.

    Toniht Chloe plays Haydn piano concerto in G : Allegro moderato

  • Henry Wang

    Henry Wang, 13 years old, is a student at King’s School. Henry started learning piano at the age of five, and also plays the clarinet as part of his school’s Honors Band and Symphony Orchestra. He has received a number of prizes and awards both in New Zealand and internationally for piano including Winning the Lewis Eady Junior Music Contest in 2021& 2022, South Auckland, West Auckland, Northshore performing Arts competitions, and Hong Kong International Piano Competition.

    Tonight Henry playsMozart piano concerto n 20 K 466 : Allegro

  • Melanie Wang

    Melanie Wang, 15 years old, is a student at Kings College. Melanie is passionate and enthusiastic about music. Other than piano, she also plays the violin as part of her schools Symphony Orchestra and Chamber group and has also performed as a soloist with the Devonport Orchestra. She has competed in both international and NZ competitions and has received numbers accolades including wins at the South Auckland, West Auckland and Northshore Performing Arts competitions, Pacific Rim and Hong Kong International Piano Competition.

    Tonight Melanie plays Mozart piano concerto N 9 K 271 : Allegro

Erin Fagan - Composer

Born and raised in West Auckland, Erin is a freelance composer, music teacher, arranger and pianist. A post-graduate student of Auckland University, Erin achieved First-Class Honours in Composition in 2015 and has since been working as a composer for theatre, musicals, short films, chamber groups, orchestras and more. Having worked as a Musical Director for the NZ premiere of a number of musical theatre shows, Erin has also written, edited and scored several original musicals of his own (‘Love Me Tinder’, ‘Pan is Dead’, ‘Little Jack’). Most recently, Erin has had works performed by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Wairua Sinfonietta, for which he is currently their inaugural Composer-in-Residence. Alongside this, he has had works commissioned across the country for various musical events and creative groups, including workshops of his works by the NZ Trio and Auckland Philharmonia.

Programme Notes


Mozart Symphony No 1 in E-flat K.16

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major, K. 16, stands as a remarkable work composed by the young prodigy at the age of eight in 1764. This early symphony serves as a testament to Mozart's exceptional talent, revealing glimpses of his classical style. The three movements – Allegro, Andante, and Presto – reflect the influence of the symphonic form of the time, notably that of composers like Johann Christian Bach. Despite its youthful origins, Symphony No. 1 showcases Mozart's compositional prowess, foreshadowing the genius that would define his later masterpieces.


Haydn piano concerto in D: Vivace
  

Franz Joseph Haydn's Piano Concerto in D major features a vibrant Vivace movement that captivates listeners with its lively tempo. In this movement, the interplay between the solo piano and the orchestra is marked by spirited exchanges. Haydn, a prominent figure in classical music, demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship and mastery of form in this concerto. The Vivace movement stands out for its joyous and effervescent character, highlighting the solo piano in a dynamic dialogue with the orchestra. Characterized by rhythmic vitality and melodic inventiveness, this movement serves as a testament to Haydn's compositional prowess within the realm of piano concertos.


Mozart Symphony No 9 in E-flat K.16

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat major, K. 271, known as the "Jeunehomme" Concerto, unfolds with a captivating first movement. The Allegro movement is marked by its majestic and expressive character, showcasing Mozart's innovative approach to the piano concerto form. The soloist engages in a lively and dynamic dialogue with the orchestra, featuring virtuosic passages and eloquent thematic material. Mozart's masterful orchestral colors and seamless integration of solo and ensemble elements contribute to the concerto's enduring appeal, making the first movement of K. 271 a brilliant example of Mozart's mature and inventive musical style.


Willem Ten Have : Allegro Brillante in A major Op 19

"Allegro Brillante in A" by Willem ten Have is a lively and brilliant composition that underscores the composer's command of musical expression. The term "Allegro Brillante" aptly describes its fast and brilliant tempo, with the piece delivering energetic and dazzling musicality. Characterized by nimble and virtuosic passages, the composition presents both technical challenges and opportunities for expressive interpretation. Ten Have's work in A major exudes brightness and vigor, making it a captivating and delightful piece for both performers and listeners.


Haydn piano concerto in G : Allegro moderato

Franz Joseph Haydn's Piano Concerto in G major, often referred to as his Concerto in G major, Hob. XVIII/4, opens with a vivacious first movement. The Allegro movement is characterized by its lively tempo and cheerful demeanor. Haydn skillfully weaves a delightful dialogue between the solo piano and the orchestra, showcasing his trademark wit and inventive musical ideas. The movement unfolds with grace and elegance, featuring moments of virtuosity for the soloist and charming interplay with the orchestral accompaniment. Haydn's Piano Concerto in G major's first movement is a testament to his mastery of the classical concerto form and his ability to create engaging and joyful compositions.


Erin Fagan Intermezzo, for Olive  (World Premiere) 

This work is written in remembrance of Oliver Huang-Hsu. For those who did not know him, one cannot forget his infectious humor, unwavering good nature, and exceptional talents as a musician and composer. My encounters with Oliver in the later years of our acquaintance were often marked by his perpetual motion, navigating swiftly from one engagement to the next, from one lesson to another. The opening of this work attempts to capture the tranquility that I know he must have found in the brief respites between the chaos of his schedule. Perhaps a calm that seemed to emanate also from the steadfast beliefs he held. It is a calm I wish to experience, but do not.

The lively, second half of this work is a more true Intermezzo, and a tribute to the Oliver I cherished and remember most: animated, brimming with wit and cheer, and always adamant on upholding a facade of joviality with what he playfully referred to as our 'monkey smiles.' The persistent, vivacious nature of this final section is a nod to Oliver's style as a composer whose works were always brimming with a sense of mirth that again, I wish to conjure in my own works, but do not. My only wish is that the work evokes a semblance of the vibrant energy that defined Oliver's remarkable spirit as a composer, and as an individual.


Mozart piano concerto n 20 K 466 in D minor : Allegro

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor, K. 466, introduces a dramatic and expressive first movement. Opening with a brooding orchestral introduction, the Allegro movement features a turbulent and emotionally charged dialogue between the solo piano and the orchestra. Mozart's genius is evident in the poignant themes, intricate ornamentation, and dynamic contrasts. The movement is marked by its intense drama, showcasing Mozart's ability to evoke deep emotions within the classical concerto framework. The first movement of K. 466 stands as a compelling example of Mozart's mature and innovative approach to piano concerto composition.

Elizabeth Lau - Conductor

Elizabeth Lau is a distinguished musician and educator deeply integrated into the Auckland music community. Revered for her roles as a conductor, collaborative pianist, double bassist, and music coach, she enriches the local musical landscape with her diverse skills. Elizabeth is the Founder and Creative Director of Wairua Sinfonietta, a non-profit charity orchestra uniting emerging and professional musicians to raise social awareness and funds for global charitable organizations, reflecting her dedication to the intersection of music and social impact. Additionally, she serves as a collaborative pianist and music coach for instrumentalists and singers.

A graduate of the University of Auckland, Elizabeth holds a unique academic background in composition, collaborative piano, and double bass performance. She made history as the first student at the University of Auckland to achieve a Master's degree in Choral and Orchestral Conducting. Her academic pursuits extended to the Czech Republic, England, Japan, and Switzerland, further enriching her musical expertise.

Internationally recognised, Elizabeth has conducted performances in various countries, including the Czech Republic, England, Switzerland, and Australia. Locally, her influence is evident in institutions such as the School of Music String Orchestra and the University of Auckland. Her contributions extend to roles as Deputy Music Director of Bach Musica and her involvement with the New Zealand Children's Choral Academy.

Notable highlights in Elizabeth's career include her role as an assistant conductor for the world premiere of LEN LYE The Opera in 2012 and her participation in the world premiere opera Ihitai 'Avei'a in 2021 – Star Navigator. This pioneering opera, composed by Tim Finn and co-composed by Tom McLeod, showcases performances in Tahitian and English and features monologues from Tahitian novelist Célestine Hitiura Vaite.

In her leisure time, Elizabeth indulges in exploring diverse cultures, travelling, visiting art galleries, and expressing her artistic inclinations through painting and photography.

Wairua Sinfonietta Musicians

Violin 1

Nathan Pickney**

Derek Chan*

Reuben Chung

Olga Homenko

Jean-Baptiste Jossa

Violin 2

Nancy Chen*

Dörthe Ferrari

Vivian Huang 

Andrew Peeters 

Ethan Wang

Viola

Celina Reyes*

Anne-Marie Forsyth 

Truby Gravatt

Dora Tsao

Cello

Margaret Cooke*

Sarah Poppe

Robin Snape

Olivia Tong

Bass

Mike Steer*

Flute

Annie Hong*

Oboe

Vanessa Bruell*

Kate Randall

Bassoon

Joy Shi*

Horn

Tom Chester*

Jacob Fraser

Trumpet

Stephen Bemelan*

Sam Uatahausi

** Concertmaster
* Section Leader

Special Thanks

We express our deep gratitude to our devoted supporters who have made Wairua Sinfonietta's vision a reality: our cherished audience, fellow musicians, dedicated team of volunteers, and valued sponsors.

Our team of volunteers:

Alexander Alford
Nancy Chen
Olivia Cheng
Sarah Healey
Amy He
Kitty Ling
Grace Lam
Sharron Meadow
Dora Tsao
Rebecca Zhou
Jojo Zhang
Ann Wong
Julianne Wong
Phoebe Wong


Our Donors:

Kauri ($5000+)
Kahikatea ($2500 - $4999)
Tōtara ($1000 - $2499)
Hannah Guo
Lei Kang
Xiaocong Li
Rachel Liu
Rimu ($400 - $999)
Margaret Sek
Pōhutukawa ($150 - $399)


Our Sponsors: 

Sarah Healey Design
Buffa Music (Alexander Alford)  


Collaborator for this event: