Description
The Colours of Futuna concert series brings music, architecture, and community together in the remarkable setting of Futuna Chapel in Wellington. Across a series of Sunday afternoon concerts, musicians from New Zealand and beyond perform chamber music in one of the country’s most celebrated architectural spaces.
Designed by architect John Scott, Futuna Chapel is known for its intimate acoustics and distinctive blend of modernist and Māori architectural influences. The chapel provides a unique listening environment where audiences can experience music up close within a space shaped by light, timber, and silence.
Each concert explores a different musical “colour,” presenting a diverse programme ranging from classical and contemporary works to distinctive instrumental combinations. The series welcomes both established artists and emerging performers, creating an atmosphere of discovery and connection between musicians and audience.
Hosted by the Futuna Chapel Trust, the concert series also supports the ongoing care and preservation of this nationally significant building. Join us for an afternoon of music, reflection, and community in one of Wellington’s most extraordinary cultural spaces.
Lineup
Echos of China
Sunday 12 April, 2pm This concert is presented by three musicians from China, featuring a program of Chinese art songs set to classical Chinese poetry, pipa works, and an Italian aria. The program brings together music that is widely performed in China today, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the poetic imagery of classical Chinese literature while gaining insight into the style of contemporary Chinese vocal and traditional instrumental music. Yanran Chen Yanran is a soprano, vocal educator, and Doctoral candidate in Music at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, School of Music-Te Kōkī, supervised by Dr. Jenny Wollerman, Dr. Hui Luo and vocal coached by Dr. Nadja Mijatovic Sekicki. Her training began at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China and continued at the University of Hartford's The Hartt School in the USA, where she was honored with an invitation to join the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, a selective national music honor society recognizing excellence in both academic and performance achievements. She is also an active member of the Wellington Chinese Youth Musicians Association, where she contributes to and engages with the local music community. This passion is enriched by her active performance career and professional affiliations. Wenxin Xu Wenxin is currently a PhD candidate studying with Dr. Brian Diettrich and Dr. Jian Liu at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington. She completed her Bachelo'rs and Master’s degrees in pipa performance at the China Conservatory of Music and earned a second Master’s degree in music psychology from the University of York, United Kingdom. She has performed for the prime minister of New Zealand and the president of China, reflecting her seasoned professional experience. Jianmin Lu Jianmin is a collaborative pianist and piano teacher, currently pursuing a PhD at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington, where she studies with Dr Jian Liu and Dr Hamish Robb. She completed both her bachelor’s degree in Music Education (Piano) and her master’s degree in Piano Performance at the School of Music, Henan University in China, graduating with Outstanding Graduate honors. She is an active collaborative pianist who has performed widely in China and has also worked with choirs. Since moving to Wellington in 2024, she has organised and performed in many concerts as President of the Wellington Chinese Youth Musicians Association. Her work focuses on vocal accompaniment, chamber music, and collaborations with Chinese traditional instruments. She enjoys the rehearsal process and the musical dialogue with her collaborators. Program: Song of the Yue Boatman (越人歌) Song of the Phoenix (凤求凰) Yi Ethnic Dance (彝族舞曲) Red Embroidered Shoes: Joy of Love (红绣鞋) Eccomi in lieta vesta (Here I Am in Festive Garb) Late Autumn (晚秋) The Orchid in Seclusion (幽兰操)
Lineup
Gary Wilby; Reflections, Miniatures and Soundscapes
Sunday 19 April, 2pm Gary Wilby has recently retired after nearly 50 years in the classroom. He taught Music both in the classroom and as an Itinerant teacher – mostly in secondary schools. He was fortunate in 1995 to be appointed to the Composer in Schools position which resulted in many works for students to play. Gary graduated from the University of Canterbury with a MA(Hons). He plays piano and cello and while he has in the past sung in choirs, he now enjoys the annual NZCF Wellington May Workshop. Gary has played in many ensembles and has been in the Wellington City Orchestra (formerly Wellington Chamber Orchestra) since 1986. He formerly was for 15 years the Music Director and Conductor of the Capital Performing Arts Orchestra. He has regularly played with “Opus 3 Trio” for the past decade. This will be Gary's third performance in Futuna Chapel.
Lineup
Lilburn Residence Trust Composer in Residence: Commemoration
Sunday 26 April, 2pm Commemoration showcases music composed by Lilburn Residence Trust composer in residence Eve de Castro-Robinson and other composers. Performed in the acoustically acclaimed Futuna Chapel by Eve de Castro-Robinson, Barbara Paterson (soprano), Ken Ichinose (cello) and Sam Rich (percussion). Programme: Hau (2008) for soprano and crystal glass, Barbara Paterson Written in memory of Stockhausen, and Mahinaarangi Tocker Commemoration (1988) for cello, Ken Ichinose Written to mark the passing of fellow composer Gerard Crotty Sonnet 73, William Shakespeare, Eve de Castro-Robinson Peal (2020) for soprano and bells, Barbara Paterson from In Memoriam (Ring out, wild bells) by Lord Alfred Tennyson Whisper (2001) for snare drum, Sam Rich Written in memory of Greek composer Iannis Xenakis Dr Eve de Castro-Robinson is the Lilburn Residence Trust 2026 Composer-in-Residence. Eve is recognised as one of the country’s foremost composers and brings to the position a compelling body of work spanning orchestral, vocal, chamber, and theatrical music. Her music is performed nationally and internationally, and she holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the Doctor of Music in Composition from the University of Auckland in 1991. Her compositional voice engages sonic architecture, timbral exploration and a rich palette of influences, from hymns and free-jazz, to graphic design and sonic art. During her residency, Eve aims to weave together longstanding compositional interests with Douglas Lilburn’s former home as well as the teaching, research, and outreach of NZSM.
Lineup
Choro Ao Vento
Sunday 3 May, 2pm Join us for an afternoon of Brazilian choro - a joyful and expressive music style that began in Rio de Janeiro. Performed by a small ensemble featuring instruments like guitar, flute, cavaquinho, clarinet and pandeiro, choro ranges from lively, fast-paced tunes to slow, lyrical melodies. We rehearse together every fortnight and regularly collaborate with other musicians at a monthly roda. This concert is a rare chance to hear us in a dedicated performance setting, and we’re excited to share it with you.
Krakerjack
Sunday 10 May, 2pm Krakerjack is a seven-piece band infusing a Kiwi twist into traditional Polish and klezmer tunes, celebrating these unique cultural traditions by fusing authenticity with innovation. Our pieces showcase soul-stirring vocal harmonies alongside virtuosic instrumentals, poignant ballads and lively dance numbers. We have been gigging since 2022 at various Polish community events, Newtown Festival, Slavfest and have started to perform outside of Wellington, including in Palmerston North at the Festival of Cultures.
Lineup
Saxcess Saxaphone Quartet
Sunday 17 May, 2pm New Zealand’s premier sax quartet is about to deliver a symphony of sounds at Futuna Chapel. From swing to tango, classical to cutting edge contemporary, audiences can expect the ensemble’s usual eclectic mix of genres with even more kaleidoscopic surprises thrown into the mix, making for a toe-tapping concert to delight music lovers of all ages. Debbie Rawson, Richar Marin, Franz Ombler, Rachel Collingridge and Tim Workman. Don't miss out!
Lineup
Kugels: Wellington-based Klezmer
Sunday 24 May Take 3 former NZSO players, an Arts Laureate composer, a jazz bass player, and a charismatic singer, and you have the Kugels! This ensemble has been together for 10 years and has completed nationwide tours for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand, as well as performing as guest artists at several NZ festivals. With passion and sensitivity, the Kugels play traditional Klezmer music and original works by their in-house Arts Foundation Laureate composer/accordionist Ross Harris. Klezmer music is the folk music of Jewish people from Eastern and Central Europe and is enjoying a huge rebirth of interest and popularity. The music is wild, passionate and haunting and makes you want to dance!
Lineup
WOSOSI
Sunday 31 May, 2pm WOSOSI (World Song Singers) is a Wellington-based a cappella choir that brings songs from around the world to life with warmth, depth, and feeling. Known for their embodied approach to singing, they sing from the soul – weaving together voice, breath, rhythm, movement, and presence. With repertoire spanning a wide range of cultures and languages, WOSOSI take care to honour the stories, feelings and intentions behind the music they sing. Whether performing in concert settings or community spaces, audiences often comment on the sense of presence, joy, and meaning they feel when listening to WOSOSI. WOSOSI is a committed community of singers who value the joy of expressive connection; with each other, with the music, and with those who are listening.
Lineup
Michelle Velvin Solo Harp
Sunday 7 June, 2pm Michelle Velvin is a harpist, composer, and teacher who loves to explore creating art and music through new avenues, often brought about by collaborations with other genres and art forms. As an active harpist and composer, she regularly performs in orchestra and chamber music ensembles, as well as solo performances, usually with a focus on featuring works by other NZ composers and her own compositions. Michelle is also active in various pop/indie/folk bands, early music ensembles, her duo Tamira Pūoro (taonga pūoro, cello, vocals and harp) and is writing an album for voice and harp currently. This performance offers a celebration of NZ harp music, featuring compositions by composers Chris Everest, Ross Harris, Caoimhe Lane and Velvin, among others.
Lineup
Klezmer Rebs
Sunday 14 June, 2pm Klezmer Rebs are an 8-piece Wellington band formed in 2002 that plays (mostly) klezmer music, an engaging style of world/folk music born out of the Yiddish/Jewish culture of eastern Europe in the 1800s and 1900s. Klezmer then went to America and in the early 1900s began to fuse with jazz and swing. There has been a worldwide revival of klezmer music since the 1980s. The Klezmer Rebs have been shaking ‘tuchases’ (Yiddish for ‘bums’) in Wellington and places north and south since 2002. Over the years crowds danced to klezmer music in Gisborne, Palmerston North, Greytown, Whanganui, New Plymouth, Nelson, Golden Bay, Christchurch, Dunedin and across the Wellington city and region. Klezmer Rebs instrumentation includes guitar, mandolin, clarinet, violin, accordion, keyboards, trombone, helicon (like a tuba), string bass and vocals. Together the Klezmer Rebs capture the true klezmer spirit with songs of joy, sorrow and rebellion.
Lineup
Krakerjack: Polish Folk and Klezmer band
Sunday 21 June, 2pm Krakerjack is Aotearoa’s leading Polish band showcasing powerful vocals alongside virtuosic instrumentals and lively dance numbers. We celebrate unique cultural traditions with a Kiwi twist. Na zdrowie! A rollicking good time of scintillating heart-pumping tunes and soulful harmonies from Poland and nearby. Expect fiery fiddles, driving rhythms, and a night of dance-worthy tunes.
Lineup
Father & Son
Sunday 28 June, 2pm Join three of New Zealand's top musicians in an intimate afternoon of baroque music at Futuna Chapel showcasing works by J.S Bach and son C.P.E Bach. Flautist Barbara Hill, together with cellist Robert Ibell and Jonathan Berkahn on harpsichord perform a programme to impress: J.S.Bach (attrib.C.P.E.Bach) Sonata in G minor for Flute and Basso continuo, BWV 1020 J.S.Bach Sonata in E minor for Flute and Basso continuo, BWV 1034 J.S.Bach Cello Suite N.4, BWV 1010 C.P.E.Bach Hamburg Sonata, for Flute and Basso continuo Barbara Hill New Zealand-born flautist Barbara Hill has lived in Berlin, Germany for most of her life. She has had an extensive and successful career as an orchestral and chamber musician, a teacher and ensemble coach, and a soloist on international tours. After graduating from Auckland University, she continued studies in London with Peter Lloyd and William Bennett and in Berlin with James Galway. At festivals in northern Germany she was a regular performer with numerous ensembles including the Berlin Chamber Orchestra. As a recital artist she toured Italy, Poland, New Zealand, South Korea and China, and was awarded a guest professorship from the University of Shenyang after giving a series of masterclasses. For the Berlin State Music School she established several flute choirs, which enjoyed annual rehearsal phases at the Landes Musikakademie Hessen and in San Vito, northern Italy. She recently moved back to NZ and now lives in Wellington. Robert Ibell Robert Ibell was born in Dannevirke and brought up in Palmerston North. He began learning cello at Saturday morning music classes, and played in the Manawatu Youth Orchestra and Manawatu Sinfonia. While training as a school teacher in Palmerston North he learned cello from Judith Hyatt in Wellington. From 1986 to 1992 Robert lived in London, studying cello with Tania Hunt, Derek Simpson and Christopher Bunting. He played at music schools and in masterclasses (where his teachers included Alexander Baillie, Steve Doane, Anner Bylsma and Steven Isserlis), taught, gave recitals and played in professional and amateur orchestras. Between 1993 and 2020 Robert was a member of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He is now a union organiser, cello teacher and chamber musician. Johnathan Berkahn Composer, performer, and educator Jonathan Berkahn is an accompanist, soloist, and chamber musician and an experienced choral conductor – of classical (musically literate) choirs and community groups. He has also been active in many folk/traditional bands – Celtic and Eastern European, the Wellington Irish Sessions and is a ceilidh (dance) caller. He has a degree in composition from Victoria University, an honours degree in performance (organ, harpsichord, and fortepiano), and a PhD in musicology.
Lineup
Elementi: Medieval and modern music for flute and soprano
Sunday 5 July, 2pm Embrace performances ranging from the 12 Century to the 21st Century with Elementi; a trio of exceptional musicians playing medieval and renaissance part songs, solos and duets, and new music by NZ and other composers. In this concert, Pepe, Monica and Nicholas draw on their individual and collective extensive experience in the performance both early music and new music. They juxtapose a variety of old (Medieval and Renaissance) works with contemporary NZ works - for one to three 'voices' - with texts based on the timeless themes of love and loss, and the peace and solace found in elements of Nature... Composers include: Hildegard von Bingen, Machaut, Morley, Dufay, Gabrieli, 'Anon', Body, Becker and Verburg.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
Get tickets
This event has passedGet tickets
This event has passed
More events from this host
