Sunday Concerts Presents Amici Ensemble As A Piano Quartet

Sunday Concerts presents the Amici Ensemble at 3 pm on Sunday 25 May 2025 at St Andrews on The Terrace, Wellington. The members of the Ensemble are Donald Armstrong, violin; Monique Lapins, viola; Robert Ibell, cello; and Jian Liu, piano.

They are performing two of the mighty works of the chamber music repertoire. Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, a work of profound emotional depth and musical richness, was written at time when his friend Robert Schumann was struggling with mental illness. Fauré's Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor embodies the elegance of French Impressionism, his refined musical language and his poetic inspirations. The String Trio by Jean Françaix , a witty, graceful, intricate and utterly delightful work, has huge technical challenges for the musicians but lends an effortless air. As Françaix himself said, “I am always told that my works are easy. Whoever says that has probably not played them.” Do not miss this wonderful concert by four of New Zealand’s top musicians!

For more information see www.sundayconcerts.org.nz or Eventfinda for bookings. Tickets are $40 or $10 for those under 26. School students are free if accompanying an adult.

Background information

Wellington Chamber Music was formed in 1945 and has been presenting Sunday Concerts since 1982. The concerts feature top NZ artists and most concerts are recorded by RNZ Concert for later broadcast – often heard in the 1-3 pm slot on RNZ Concert. Ticket prices are modest as the organisers are unpaid volunteers, though the artists receive professional fees.

The Amici Ensemble was formed in 1988 and is led by NZSO Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong. The Ensemble membership varies each year to match the works being performed. Many of the artists are senior members of the NZ Symphony Orchestra and leading chamber musicians on the New Zealand music scene.

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