Dr Charlotte Francis - Violin & Gemma Lee - Piano
please ring the cafe to book a table
Programme (60mins)
· Schubert Sonatina in D, Op. 137 (10’)
· Beethoven Sonata for Violin and Piano in Eb Major, Op. 12, No. 3 (21’)
· Nielsen Violin Sonata No. 12 in A major, Op. 9 (25’)
· Sarasate Spanish Dances – Zapateado (4’)
Biography
Formed in 2016, Francis-Lee Duo consists of University of Auckland School of Music graduates, violinist Charlotte Francis and pianist Gemma Lee. Both have gained individual successes in chamber music throughout New Zealand and overseas, and are quickly gaining recognition locally as an exciting upcoming chamber ensemble. Upcoming performances include All Saints Church Howick, Auckland Public Library, Whittaker’s Musical Museum in Waiheke Island, and Te Ahu Centre in Kaitaia. Having enjoyed previously working with each other in the Faculty of Creative Arts and Industries as administrative staff, the two decided to collaborate musically with long-term professional intentions.
Dr Charlotte Francis, violin
Charlotte Francis grew up in Brisbane and began learning the violin at the age of five, studying with Elizabeth Morgan, John Willison and John Curro. An interest in classics led her to Otago University where she gained her PhD with a commentary on Book 10 of Martial’s Epigrams. In 2011, Charlotte commenced her Bachelor of Music in violin with Stephen Larsen at the University of Canterbury, and moved to Auckland to pursue an Honours degree at the University of Auckland. She has performed in many ensembles in Auckland and around New Zealand, including both Dunedin and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras, Hawke’s Bay Orchestra, Opus Orchestra (Hamilton) and for the International Akaroa Summer Music Festival. Charlotte plays on a violin made in 1741 by Giacomo Zanoli.
Gemma Lee, piano
Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Gemma holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland. As a collaborative pianist, Gemma has been involved in masterclasses led by many international talents, including mezzo-soprano Lucy Schaufer and oboist David Gordon. She is the recipient of the 2011 Pettman/ROSL Arts International Chamber Music Scholarship and the 2015 Pettman/DARE Scholarship for Music Education. Gemma gave the world premiere of Helen Bowater’s ‘Rangitoto’ for solo piano in 2011, and the Austrian premiere of David Hamilton’s ‘Luz Ultima’ for triple choice and piano in 2014 at the Musikverein, Vienna. Resident of the North Shore for 18 years, she has built a strong connection with the local music scene and is regularly seen accompanying at Opera Factory, Takapuna Grammar School, and the University of Auckland’s School of Music.
