Seven programmes. Four locations. One journey. Join us for an intimate exploration of classical music and nature in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. With internationally renowned artists standing side-by-side with Aotearoa's finest musicians, the programme is further enhanced by a range of free events and performances.
Performed against the backdrop of the Remarkables mountains, Claviers is a special Queenstown festival programme exploring the evolution of the harpsichord and piano, continuing the Baroque composers' exploration of nature-inspired aesthetics. The journey culminates in a work by Ravel that profoundly impacted this year’s Composer in Residence, John Psathas. Australian harpsichordist (who will be presenting the harpsichord during a free half hour event) and legendary pianist Michael Houstoun lead this extraordinary evening.
Programme:
The Harpsichord:
François Couperin
Les barricades mistérieuses from Pièces de claveçin, Livre II, Ordre 6
Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou Les Maillotins from Pièces de clavecin, Livre VI, Ordre 6
Jean-Philippe Rameau Les sauvages from Nouvelle suites de pièces de claveçin
George Frideric Handel Harmonious Blacksmith from Suite in E Major (HWV 430)
Johann Sebastian Bach Toccata in e minor BWV 914
Bernardo Storace Ciaconna (Venice, 1664)
Antonio Vivaldi Cello Sonata no. 7 in a minor, RV 44
The Piano:
Johann Sebastian Bach Prelude & Fugue in a minor from Book 2 of The Well-tempered Clavier
John Psathas Jupiter and Venus
Maurice Ravel Gaspard de la Nuit
Festival Artists:
Erin Helyard - Harpsichord
Michael Houstoun - Piano
James Bush - Cello
