Homecoming with Anna Lee ft. Sarah Watkins

Join us for a special evening celebrating the “Homecoming” of acclaimed violinist Anna Lee to her home turf. After completing her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music and performing internationally, Anna is thrilled to reconnect with her New Zealand audience through this heartfelt "Homecoming Concert" at the Pah Homestead at 7pm on the 12th October.

Anna, renowned for her powerful expression, elegant technique, and captivating performances, will bring her remarkable artistry to the stage. Her concert will feature a selection of works that highlight her unique ability to convey music as a profound language of the heart. With her diverse experience and background—from her Carnegie Hall debut, to performances with the New World Symphony and Boston Philharmonic Orchestras, to outreach performances with “Music for Food,” to US Presidential House performances—Anna promises an evening of exceptional music-making that blends her global experiences with her Kiwi roots.

Collaborating with Anna will be Sarah Watkins, a founding member of NZTrio and a celebrated collaborative pianist. Sarah’s impressive career spans both New Zealand and the US, with a distinguished reputation for her work with various orchestras and as a recording artist. Together, Anna and Sarah will deliver a performance that not only showcases their extraordinary talents but also celebrates the vibrant musical community of New Zealand. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a concert that promises to uplift and inspire.

About Anna Lee:

Acclaimed for her powerful expression, elegant technique, and captivating performances, violinist Anna Lee truly demonstrates music as a language of the heart.

Having recently returned to New Zealand after completing her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Anna is excited to share her skills and creativity with her home community. Her performances span from her 2015 debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York, to the New World Symphony and Boston Philharmonic Orchestras, to outreach performances for “Music for Food,” to US Presidential House performances, showcasing her versatility and love for collaboration. Now, back on home soil, Anna is eager to contribute and collaborate with the exciting music scene.

Anna’s talent has been recognized globally, as the prize-winner of the Viotti Valsesia International Music Competition, Seoul National Junior Music Competition, American Protégé International Music Competition, and International Music Competition Premio Citta di Padova. She has been invited to perform at top music festivals like the Heifetz International Music Festival, and Bowdoin International Music Festival.

Outside of music, Anna enjoys the simple pleasures of life, often found running along local trails or spending time with her Border Collie, Cola, who keeps her on her toes. Having recently raced in the Tauranga Marathon, Anna balances her intense musical career with a love for the outdoors and staying active—both of which help fuel her creativity.

A proud graduate of the Eastman School of Music, where she earned both her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance, Anna has studied under some of the world’s leading teachers, including Renee Jolles and Nicholas Kitchen. Her academic achievements, including being named a Dean’s Scholar at the New England Conservatory, reflect her dedication to constantly growing as an artist.

Now, as she settles back into life in New Zealand, Anna is ready to blend her international experiences with her Kiwi roots. She’s passionate about building connections through music, creating moments that lift people up, and contributing to New Zealand’s rich cultural landscape. Whether she’s performing for a full house or working behind the scenes, Anna’s commitment to music and community remains at the heart of everything she does.

About Sarah Watkins:

Sarah is a founding member of NZTrio, a group widely recognized as one of New Zealand’s most dynamic and indispensable music ensembles, bringing bold and eclectic performances to audiences around the world.

Her lifelong passion for accompanying and chamber music has led to an impressive career in the US and New Zealand, where she is highly sought after as a collaborative pianist, recording artist, and ensemble musician. She has been an official pianist for the Michael Hill International Violin Competition since its inception in 2001, has performed as a freelance player in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and has appeared as concerto soloist with St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra, ACO, and the APO. In 2014 Sarah recorded Chris Watson’s “sing songs self” for solo piano and orchestra with the NZSO, a composition which was awarded the prestigious 2015 SOUNZ Contemporary Award.

Sarah is a graduate of the University of Canterbury (NZ) and the Juilliard School in New York City, where she earned both Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in collaborative piano. While living in the US, Sarah worked as a staff pianist at Juilliard, Yale University, and the Aspen Music Festival. Among academic highlights was her work as coordinator of the collaborative piano program at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California, and several years on the music faculty of Purchase College, New York. During the period 2004-2009 NZTrio was ensemble in residence at the University of Auckland, where Sarah also taught collaborative piano and chamber music.