Conductor - Michael Joel
Soloist - Lara Hall

Sibelius - Finlandia Op 26
Saint-Saëns - Violin Concerto No 3 Op 61 in B minor
Sibelius - Symphony No 1 Op 39 in E minor

“Hall played with immense ease and grace - her notes always honeyed and floating in the air, ghost-
like in the auditorium of Holy Trinity”.  – C Poppy, BOP News

This concert is part of the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra (SMCO) 2026 Concert Series.

The Taiwan Business Association of New Zealand (TBANZ) proudly presents an unforgettable evening featuring internationally acclaimed Taiwanese-born violist and erhu virtuoso Dr. Andy Lin, whose extraordinary artistry bridges the worlds of Eastern tradition and Western classical music.

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Renowned worldwide for his exceptional musicianship, Dr. Andy Lin is one of the very few artists capable of mastering both the viola and the erhu, seamlessly blending the musical languages of East and West.

The New York Times praised him as: “Taiwan-born violist Andy Lin, also an accomplished erhu player, delivered a remarkably outstanding performance.”

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Dr. Lin has collaborated with world-renowned musicians including Lang Lang and has performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, such as Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall.

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As the only musician to have performed both Eastern and Western instruments within The Juilliard School Orchestra, Dr. Lin will make his Auckland debut with an intimate and captivating concert experience. Audiences will enjoy a unique fusion of Western classical masterpieces and traditional Chinese melodies—an extraordinary event not to be missed.

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Special Guest Artist — Mina Hsieh. Joining Dr. Lin for this special performance is pianist, cellist, composer, and music educator Mina Hsieh.

A graduate of the University of Auckland's Composition Programme, Mina received classical piano training from an early age and has been actively engaged in cello performance, composition, and music education.

Luminata Voices proudly presents: Songs of Pasifika - Voices of Sāmoa, Tonga, Fiji & Aotearoa

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Special guests: Westlake Boys High School Fijian Group

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Experience the vibrant pulse of the Pacific as Luminata Voices presents a dedicated celebration of Pasifika choral music. From the storied shores of Sāmoa and Fiji to the contemporary sounds of Aotearoa, this performance explores the rich tapestry of harmony, storytelling and identity that defines our region.

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More than a traditional recital, this project sees Luminata Voices step off the risers and into the rhythm. Featuring dynamic movement and evocative arrangements by renowned composers like Steven Rapana and Poulima Salima, the programme traverses the emotional spectrum from the playful energy of Minoi Minoi to the soul-stirring farewell of Tofa Mai Feleni.

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Join us for an afternoon that honours the enduring spirit of Pasifika music through the power and precision of the female voice.

Flavio Villani, piano 

The young virtuoso, recently described as “the finest guitar player of this generation,” has fallen in love with New Zealand! — and after sold-out shows around the globe, he’ll bring his now-famous live show to 25 intimate venues across the country in 2026!

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“Do whatever it takes to get in the front row!”
– Roots Magazine, UK

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“A generational talent that must be seen to be believed.”
– The Calgary Herald, CANADA

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WHAT THE PRESS SAY

“The word ‘prodigy’ seems to entirely fall short of this soft-spoken young man’s skills. He coaxes sounds and melodies out of his instrument that literally drop jaws.”
– The Calgary Herald, Canada

“Today I saw the future of folk — festival-goers flocking in the thousands towards the main stage to witness a young musical phenomenon from Australia dish out an absolute show-stopper.”
– The Firefly Column, USA

“Daniel Champagne is a crossroads, fusing the strong traditions of blues, folk, and other roots art with pop showmanship and admirable lyrical ability. I firmly believe that he will become an ambassador for roots music in a time where it desperately needs representation.”
– The Indie Blender, Canada

“Reinventing roots guitar.”
– Rhythms Magazine, Australia

“Watching Daniel Champagne perform is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He is a true prodigy who plays like no one else could possibly play unless they spent at least two lifetimes studying the art.”
– BW Review, New Zealand

Dilworth School choirs

Conductor - David Kay
Soloist - Jonah Levy

Haydn - Symphony No 70 in D
Hummel - Trumpet Concerto in E
Mozart - Die Zauberflöte Overture K 620
Beethoven - Symphony No 5 Op 67 in C minor

This concert is part of the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra (SMCO) 2026 Concert Series.

Passione Clarinet Quintet

Conductor - Adam Maha
Soloist - Tony Chen Lin

Mozart - Symphony No 31 K297 in D ‘Paris’
Mozart - Piano Concerto No 20 K466 in D minor
Arnsten, Bjorn - Commissioned Work
Stravinsky - Pulcinella Suite

"TONY CHEN LIN is a true artist. Rarely have I encountered a finer musician who has
something truly exceptional to say in music. He has a strong musical personality that speaks
to audiences and possesses the technique, which is expected today, but also artistry which is
not always expected.” Tamás Vásárich

This concert is part of the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra (SMCO) 2026 Concert Series.

Music by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and more

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Yanghe Yu,  violin
Vanessa Tam, violin
Paul Mitchel, cello
Stephen Diaz, countertenor

Rita Paczian, conductor

Back Musica NZ Chorus & Baroque Orchestra

Ben Hoadley, bassoon 

Conductor - Michael Joel
Soloists –
Monique Lapins – Violin
Matthias Balzat – Cello

Mozart - Symphony No 35 K385 in D ‘Haffner’
Gounod - Symphony No 1 in D
Brahms - Double Concerto Op 102 in A minor

St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra’s final concert for the year brings along not one but two of New
Zealand’s most acclaimed soloists for your enjoyment. The highlight of the programme will surely be
Monique Lapins (Violin) and Matthias Balzat (Cello) performing the great Brahms Double Concerto,
his final work for orchestra and a sublime masterpiece that requires two brilliant and equally
matched soloists.

This concert is part of the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra (SMCO) 2026 Concert Series.

Alison Dunlop, oboe