Lunchtime Concert: Bridget Douglas and Michael Tsalka - flute and piano
2025-08-13 12:15 - 13:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a lunchtime recital of music for flute and piano, featuring works that span the Baroque to the contemporary. The program opens with J.S. Bach’s masterful Flute Sonata in B minor, a cornerstone of the flute repertoire. Internationally renowned visiting pianist, Michael Tsalka, showcases two solo works for piano: Pauline Viardot-Garcia’s charming Sérénade and Gavotte, followed by the World Premiere of Two Poems, One Meditation by British composer Prof. Nicholas Smith. The recital concludes with Schubert’s virtuosic and deeply expressive Introduction and Variations on “Trockne Blumen”, a dramatic tour de force for both flute and piano.
Photo credits:
James Roberts and Beefcroft
Michael Tsalka is currently serving as a Professor and a Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Music, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. He is also a member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts (EASA), Salzburg, Austria, The Chairman of the Board (and faculty) of the European Fortepiano Museum and Academy (EFM) in Germany. As a pianist and early keyboard performer, he has won numerous prizes in Europe, Asia, North America, and Latin America. He is a versatile musician, who performs repertoire from the early Baroque era to our days. Dr. Tsalka maintains a busy concert schedule, performing circa 100 concerts a year worldwide. Together with musicologist Dr. Angélica Minero Escobar, he has prepared a critical edition of Daniel Gottlob Türk’s 30 keyboard sonatas for Artaria Editions in New Zealand. Additionally, ten of his scholarly articles have been published by music journals, in Italy, the U.S.A., and the Netherlands.
He has recorded 40 critically acclaimed CDs, with repertoire from the Baroque period to the Contemporary Era (including many world premiere recordings) for NAXOS, Grand Piano, Paladino, Brilliant Classics, IMI, Sheva Collection, Wirripang, Tempus Clasico, and Ljud & Bild. Circa 85 contemporary compositions (which he premiered) were dedicated to him by composers from all over the world.
Bridget is Section Principal Flute of the NZSO and an Artist Teacher in Flute at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. She collaborates on diverse performance projects with a wide variety of local and international musicians throughout Australasia. Bridget particularly enjoys playing chamber music with her musical friends and is regularly featured on Radio NZ Concert.
Bridget has released five albums, four of which were finalists for Best Classical Album at the Aotearoa Music Awards. She encourages the next generation of musicians in Aotearoa through teaching and mentoring at universities and schools nationwide. In 2020 she was awarded the CANZ (Composers Association of NZ) Citation for Services to NZ Music.

Photo credits:
James Roberts and Beefcroft

Lunchtime Concert: Wellington City Chorus – Women’s Barbershop
2025-08-20 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Wellington City Chorus is a group of dedicated and talented women (and one man) who perform one of the few musical art forms that originate in the United States – Barbershop Harmony. Wellington City Chorus is a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to teaching, learning and singing four-part harmony, barbershop style, through performances and teaching, perpetuating and creating a love for this style of A Cappella singing in our community.
Wellington City Chorus is fortunate to have David Brooks as our Director – skilled in and enjoys the craft of barbershop and willingly passes on his knowledge. As previous national champions Wellington City Chorus has represented New Zealand on
2024 National champions Wellington City Chorus will showcase a blend of traditional barbershop and contemporary a cappella songs. The concert will also feature their winning set from last year’s national competition.

Lunchtime Concert: Wellington Viola Academy
2025-08-27 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
The Wellington Viola Academy presents a programme for viola ensemble including music by Albinoni, Bach, Bartók, Elgar, Telemann and Vivaldi.

Lunchtime Concert: Christine Wang, violin, and Rachel Thomson, piano
2025-08-28 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for Ravel’s Violin and Piano Sonata No. 2 and de Falla’s Suite Populaire Espagnole based on “Siete canciones populares españolas,” along with Ginastera’s hauntingly beautiful Pampeana No. 1, Op. 16 – Rhapsody for Violin and Piano.
Christine Wang, violin
Christine has been a member of the second violin section of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra since 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music and Master of Music at Rice University, studying under Oleh Krysa and Kathleen Winkler respectively. Before coming to New Zealand, Christine was Assistant Concertmaster of San Antonio Symphony and has worked in orchestras in the United States and Australia.
Rachel Thomson, piano
Rachel Thomson was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and grew up in Wellington where she began her piano studies with her mother. She went on to study with Judith Clark, graduating from Victoria University of Wellington before continuing her studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the United States, where she gained a doctorate in piano performance. Rachel regularly performs with some of the country’s leading musicians. She has toured on numerous occasions for Chamber Music New Zealand and is a member of various chamber ensembles including the Koru Trio. She has worked as an orchestral pianist with the NZSO, Orchestra Wellington, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Rachel is also active as a teacher, adjudicator and accompanist, and is a music examiner for Trinity College London.

Lunchtime Concert: Inbal Megiddo (cello) Paul Altomari (bass) & Friends
2025-09-03 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a spectacular concert of chamber music and duets, including Beethoven’s ‘Eyeglass’ Duo, Rossini’s Duetto and a Bach solo cello suite!

Lunchtime Concert: Kirstin Eade and Beth Chen, Flute and Piano
2025-09-10 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Kirstin Eade and Beth Chen, Flute and Piano –
NZSO Associate Principal flutist Kirstin Eade performs a delightful duo programme with NZSM artist teacher Beth Chen on the piano.
Sonata for Flute and Piano – MEL BONIS (1858-1937)

Andantino con moto
Scherzo – Vivace

III. Adagio

Finale – Moderato

Fantasie for Flute and Piano Op. 55 – CARL FRÜHLING (1868-1937)

Lunchtime Concert: NZSM String Ensemble
2025-09-17 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
The NZSM String Ensemble presents:
Sheen and Shadow by Penny Axtens (World Premiere)
St. Paul’s Suite Gustav Holst

Lunchtime Concert: NZSM Cello Ensemble
2025-09-24 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
This popular annual concert of the NZSO Cello Ensemble is back! Performing Schubert’s March Militaire, Vivaldi’s Spring, Elgar’s Nimrod, Dance of the Soma ( a traditional melody arranged for cello ensemble by James Barrellet) and Blaise Dejardin’s Variations on a New World.

Lunchtime Concert: Duo Tapas - Rupa Maitra and Owen Moriarty
2025-10-01 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for the delightful combination of Duo Tapas – Rupa Maitra, violin and Owen Moriarty, guitar.
Feel free to bring a bag lunch to enjoy. Koha.

Lunchtime Concert: NZSM Piano Extravaganza
2025-10-02 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a spectacular concert of classical piano solos ranging from baroque to contemporary presented by students from the New Zealand School of Music.

Lunchtime Concert: NZSM Brass Ensemble
2025-10-08 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
The NZSM Brass Ensemble led by Shannon Pittaway performs an interesting and varied programme including serious brass repertoire such as Koetiser’s “Symphony of Brass” and lighter in style but technically demanding “Londoner in New York” by Jim Parker commissioned by the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. NZSM trombone soloist Leo Read will be featured, performing a solo trombone arrangement of “Londonderry Air”, led by NZSM conducting student Jackson McCarthy.

Lunchtime Concert: Viola Extravaganza — Students from the NZSM
2025-10-09 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand

Lunchtime Concert: Martin Riseley, solo violin
2025-10-15 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Associate Professor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music Martin Riseley performs an engaging recital of solo violin music:
Bach Sonata A minor BWV 1003
Paganini Caprices (selections)
Ross Harris ‘Fanitullen’ (the devil’s song)
Eugene Ysaye Sonata 5 ‘L’Aurore”

Lunchtime Concert: Roy Tankersley, organ - 50th Anniversary Concert
2025-10-22 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Roy Tankersley, organ – 50th Anniversary Concert
Join us for a performance by visiting guest artist Roy Tankersley in celebration of 50 years of the Lunchtime Concert Series at St Andrew’s.
Works performed on the Croft and chamber organs:
Ballo del Granduca by Samuel Scheidt
Three Preludes by JS Bach – Kyrie Gott Vater in Ewigkeit, Christe, alle Welt Trost and Kyrie Gott heiliger Geist
Tuba Tune by C S Lang
Gymnopedie No. 1 by Eric Satie
The Urim and the Thummim by Lyell Cresswell

There will be a celebratory “cuppa and a bite” after the concert. Koha.

Lunchtime Concert: The Kugels
2025-10-29 12:15 - 13:00 | The Terrace
Klezmer is European folk music born in Eastern and Central Europe and is currently enjoying a worldwide rebirth of interest and popularity. With passion and sensitivity, The Kugels play not only the wild and haunting tunes of traditional Klezmer, but also evocative original works by eminent NZ composer Ross Harris, and thrilling new works by band members Nick Tipping and Robin Perks.
With: Nick Tipping, bass, Robin Perks, violin, Rebekah Greig, accordion and Debbie Rawson, clarinet/sax.

Lunchtime Concert: Shannon Pittaway & Friends – NZSO trombones
2025-11-05 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
NZSO Principal bass trombonist Shannon Pittaway performs Schnyder’s fiendishly difficult “Duo Concertante” with NZSO Sectional Principal Trombone David Bremner and a fresh take on Duke Ellington’s beautiful “Passion Flower/Single Petal of a Rose” with NZSO Associate Principal Matthew Allison. He will also be performing standard works for bass trombone and piano including Tomasi’s “To be or not to be”.

Lunchtime Concert: String Quartets by Caroline Shaw and Maurice Ravel
2025-11-06 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for string quartets by award-winning American composer Caroline Shaw and Maurice Ravel, performed by NZSO members Christine Wang, Julia Broom, Sophia Acheson and Joseph Kelly.

Lunchtime Concert: Stringendo - Wellington Children’s Orchestra
2025-11-12 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Stringendo is a training orchestra for school-age string players, founded in 2015 by Donald Maurice and Rupa Maitra. It offers early-level musicians, starting around grade 2, the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun and inclusive environment. Since 2022, the group has been directed by Alex Vaatstra and Hilary Ferral.

Lunchtime Concert: Wellington Baroque Ensemble - flute, bassoon, strings, organ & harpsichord
2025-11-19 12:15 - 13:00 | The Terrace
Join us for a joyous concert with Oscar Lavën (bassoon), Rebecca Steel (flute), Alex Vaatstra (violin), Margaret Guldborg (cello), Douglas Mews (organ), and Kris Zuelicke (harpsichord).
J.S. Bach – Flute Sonata in Eb major, BWV 1031
Handel – Trio Sonata in g minor, HWV 391
Vivaldi – Bassoon Concerto, RV 495
Martinu – Promenades for flute, violin and harpsichord

Lunchtime Concert: Dianne Halliday, Organ Music
2025-11-26 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Programme includes works by Carlotta Ferrari, Svitlana Ostrova, Jennifer Bate, Christina Harmon and Fanny Hensel Mendelssohn.

Lunchtime Concert: Amanda Bunting and Kris Zuelicke, Solos and Duets for Piano
2025-12-03 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Leo Smit – Divertimento (Forbidden Composers Project)
Ginastera – Danzas Argentinas, Op. 2 – Danza del viejo boyero and Danza de la moza donosa
Ravel – Sonatine, M. 40, Modéré and Mouvement de Menuet
Schubert – “Lebensstürme,” Allegro in A minor, D 947

Lunchtime Concert: Resonance Choir - A Carol Celebration
2025-12-10 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for this annual and joyous event – carol singing with the Resonance Choir, led by Simon Christie. Resonance is an all-comers choir formed in 2007 by a group of parents from Kelburn Normal School. The choir has grown to around 60 members and is now based in Karori. It includes members from across Wellington. Our aim is to enjoy singing and have fun. Resonance sings a wide range of repertoire in SATB which includes classical, choral, popular and world music. Our St Andrew’s concert will include much loved and popular Christmas Carols to kick the festive season off! Audience participation is welcome!

Lunchtime Concert: The Kugels
2026-02-18 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Take 2 former NZSO players, a jazz bass player, a virtuoso accordion player, and you have The Kugels! The ensemble has been together for 16 years now, and has completed nationwide tours for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand, as well as performing as guest artists at several NZ festivals.

The Kugels are looking forward to their next appearance at St Andrew’s! They will thrill you with an intoxicating mix of cutting edge instrumentals, high end folk, wild improvisation, and a zesty premiere or 2…

Lunchtime Concert: Quang Hong Luu, solo piano
2026-02-25 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Liszt’s famous 12 Transcendental Etudes S. 139 are an example of the pinnacle of Romantic piano literature, uniting technical complexity with symphonic scope, thematic transformation and a poetic conception of virtuosity and musicality. Quang Hong Luu is completing his doctorate in piano, studying with Jian Liu at the New Zealand School of Music.

Lunchtime Concert: Helene Page and Peter Maunder - voice and baroque guitar
2026-03-04 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a delightful programme of early music by Handel, Vivaldi, Caccini, Frescobaldi and d’Ambruis.

Lunchtime Concert: Uriele Piano Music
2026-03-11 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Uriele started composing piano music in 1990. In this concert she will present songs written in the last 10 years including her most recent pieces. The music is deeply emotive and playful, taking the listener on a journey.

Lunchtime Concert: Rolf Gjelsten and Nicole Chao, cello and piano
2026-03-18 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a glorious concert of cello and piano music – featuring Beethoven’s Sonata No. 3 in A major, op. 69 and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations, op. 33.

Lunchtime Concert: Influence: Song and Dance - Amelia Lin and Tomos Christie, piano and cello
2026-03-25 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Join us for a brilliant recital by Amelie Lin and Tomos Christie, performing selections from:
Allettamento in E Major, Op. 8 No.10 by Giuseppe Valentini
Wie Melodien Zieht es Mir by Brahms
Pieces for Cello and Piano by Webern
Cello Sonata in D Minor by Shostakovich
Elegie for Cello and Piano, Op.46a by Bortkiewicz,
Rondo in G Minor, Op.94 and Songs My Mother Taught Me by Dvorak

Lunchtime Concert: Rebecca Steel and Douglas Mews, Flute and Chamber Organ
2026-04-01 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Bach and Before – Organ works by Bach’s predecessors (Sweelinck, Pachelbel and Buxtehude) plus Bach’s obligato sonata in B minor for flute and keyboard.

Rebecca Steel – flute, Douglas Mews – chamber organ

Lunchtime Concert: Otis Prescott-Mason, solo piano
2026-04-08 12:15 - 13:00 | St Andrews Church, 30 The Terrace, Wellington, 6011, Wellington, The Terrace, 6011, New Zealand
Programme:
Mozart – Sonata in D major, K.311
Liszt – Etude in Db major, ‘Harmonie du soir’, S.139, No.11
Chopin – Barcarolle, Op.60
Biography:
Otis Prescott-Mason is one of New Zealand’s leading young pianists. He currently studies in Wellington under Dr. Jian Liu and, in the United States, under Professor Boris Berman.
In 2025 Otis was awarded 3rd prize at the National Concerto Competition in Christchurch, performing Prokofiev’s 3rd concerto with the Christchurch Symphony. In 2022 he was awarded 1st prize, Best Performance of a Classical Sonata, and the Audience Choice Award at the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition. In the same year he was awarded 1st prize at the PACANZ National Piano Competition. Otis was also awarded 1st prize at the 2020 New Zealand Junior Piano Competition.
Now finished with undergraduate studies at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington, Otis plans to pursue graduate study abroad in the near future.
