The Amici Ensemble was formed in 1988 and is lead by NZSO Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong. They are committed to performing works of all periods for differing combinations of instruments from the very small to the very large. For our tour in 2026 we are joined by saxophonist Simon Brew. Donald and Simon had a very successful tour recently as Trio Elan and for this tour perform some stunning works for saxophone and string quartet.

Russell Peterson - Quintet for Alto Saxophone and Strings

Max Richter - On the Nature of Daylight (str quartet)

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich - Quintet for Alto Saxophone and Strings

Interval

Wolfgang A. Mozart - String Quartet K. 590

Astor Piazzolla - The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires: Winter and Spring

Performers are:

Donald Armstrong returned to New Zealand in 1987 to become Associate Concertmaster of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He served as Music Director of the New Zealand Chamber Orchestra from 1987–2004 and remains deeply involved in chamber music. Overseas, he studied at the New England Conservatory, held leadership roles in Denmark and France, and performs on a 1754 Nicolo Gagliano violin.

Originally from Paeroa, Anna van der Zee is a first violinist with the NZSO. She co-founded the Tasman String Quartet, studying in Colorado with the Takács Quartet and winning prizes internationally. She also directs Karori Classics, supporting local charities, and is a core member of contemporary ensemble Stroma.

Nicholas Hancox joined the NZSO in 2019 and became Assistant Principal Viola in 2021, after serving as principal violist of the Lübeck Philharmonic. A graduate of institutions in Munich, Michigan, and Wellington, he is an active chamber musician and collaborator with New Zealand composers.

NZSO Principal Cellist since 2010, Andrew Joyce previously freelanced in London with major UK orchestras. He co-founded the Puertas Quartet, performing widely in New Zealand and the UK and recording for Atoll Records.

Simon Brew is one of New Zealand’s leading saxophonists, performing regularly with the NZSO and internationally. A graduate of the ArtEZ Conservatorium, he has appeared at major festivals including the BBC Proms and toured extensively with Chamber Music New Zealand.

Contact the host of Amici Ensemble and Simon Brew