The Piano is proud to present Douce Ambiance.
Experience the raw emotion, excitement and rich expressiveness of the violin, embraced and enjoyed by cultures across the globe. Cathy Irons (violin, viola) together with Dan Robertson (piano), Dougal Canard (double bass, guitar) and Doug Brush (drums) showcase the extraordinary versatility and brilliance of the violin, traveling through a myriad of genres, styles and eras. Ancient melodies, classical showpieces, swing, folk tunes, Romani and more.
Minor Swing - Django Reinhardt
Slow, Hot Wind - Henry Mancini
Oblivion - Astor Piazzolla
My Song - Keith Jarrett
The Secret Marriage - Sting
Too Marvelous for Words - Johnny Mercer
Lamento di Tristano/La Rotta - anon 14th Century Italian
Cantabile for Violin & Guitar - Niccolo Paganini
Rockhill - Beltaine
Cathy Irons (violin, viola) is a versatile violinist, performing regularly in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and touring ensemble concerts throughout NZ with programmes from baroque to jazz. Her playing as been described by reviewers as “sonic fireworks that dazzle with all their brilliance” and “characterized by inspirational musicianship.” She has performed in the Cavell Leitch NZ Jazz and Blues Festival, the Dunedin Fringe Festival, Arrowtown Spring Arts Festival and has toured for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand.
Dan Robertson (piano) has performed at the New Zealand Arts Festival, with his own trio at the Christchurch jazz festival and with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for the Last Night of the Proms series. While in Melbourne Dan teamed up with award winning song writer Cam Giles-Webb and appeared on several of Cam’s albums as well as regular gigs at Dizzy’s Jazz Bar, The Paris Cat, The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The Eltham Jazz Festival, and the Castlemain Jazz Festival. His work as pianist in Trios and in Showbands on cruise ships has taken him to New York, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
Dougal Canard (guitar, double bass) is a multi instrumental musician much in demand around Christchurch. He holds a B.Mus in jazz performance, doubling in bass and piano. He has extensive experience playing bass in all styles including rock, funk, jazz and show work, including NASDA and the CSO.
Doug Brush (drums) is an extraordinarily versatile percussionist who has built a substantial international career. Locally he has performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Opera, and musicians Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Broadway star Andrea Burns, Kiwi legends the Topp Twins and Paul Ubana Jones, Fiona Pears, and the 'world jazz' group Mundi, among many others. He currently teaches at teaches at Christchurch's Ara Jazz School.
Play it Forward!
Featuring exceptional Ōtautahi artists, our Play it Forward series is the perfect Sunday afternoon treat. Join us for great music, and great performances in support of our Next Generation Fund.
All net proceeds from our Play it Forward series go towards our Next Generation Fund, which covers the cost of free tickets for young people to attend concerts at The Piano, and supports venue hire costs for organisations enabling rangatahi to engage with the arts.
