String Together 2026
NZTrio & the next generation: the sound of strings live
NZTrio performs alongside the next generation of New Zealand musicians as the Great Hall of Kāhui St David’s comes alive with the sound of strings.
This special event brings together professional musicians and emerging talent from the University of Auckland School of Creative Arts and Industries, Sistema Aotearoa, Tironui Music Trust, Avondale College, and Northland, showcasing collaboration across generations.
Concert Highlights
Mozart – Piano Quartet
Performed by NZTrio with Madeleine Xiao and Francesca Fong (University of Auckland)Handel–Halvorsen – Passacaglia for Violin and Cello
Performed by Amalia Hall (violin) and Matthias Balzat (cello) of NZTrioTironui String Quartet – Haydn Op. 76 No. 3, Poco Adagio
Sistema Malaga Samoa Group – Bach Country Fiddles
Hyun Jae Lee – Bach Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor
A solo performance of one of Bach’s most profound cello suites, showcasing technical mastery, musical depth, and expressive phrasing.The Play-In Finale
Featuring NZTrio, students from Auckland and Northland, Sistema, Tironui, and Avondale College, this grand ensemble performance brings together over 30 musicians on stage in a thrilling crescendo, celebrating ensemble playing, mentorship, and collaboration. The Play-In includes
Poulima Salima – Samoan Song Medley (Falealili Uma & Ie Lavalava)
Performed by the full ensemble with NZTrio and pianist Madeleine Xiao, this arrangement blends traditional Samoan melodies with contemporary ensemble writing, celebrating cultural heritage, community, and collaboration across generations.George Frideric Handel – Selections from Water Music |
Antonín Dvořák – Largo from Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” (arr. Roderick Royce)
Kathy & David Blackwell – Latin Nights
Karl Jenkins – Palladio (arr. Robert Longfield)
Join us for complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate afterwards to meet the artists, and other lovers of live music.
With thanks to our generous patrons
This project and concert is possible thanks to the outstanding generosity of:
Sir William & Lady Manchester Charitable Trust
Sir Stephen & Lady Tindall
Kerrin & Noel Vautier
We also acknowledge and thank the volunteers of Kāhui St David's centre for music.
Lineup
NZTrio
Experience NZTrio super stars Amalia Hall violinist and Matthias Balzac perform with emerging star pianist Madeleine Xiao from the University of Auckland
Poulima Salima
Celebrated New Zealand–Samoan composer and musician Poulima Salima is specially arranging pieces for the group concert, including Falealili Uma and Ie Lavalava — a medley of traditional Samoan songs — to be performed with NZTrio, pianist Madeleine Xiao and more than 30 musicians. Poulima Salima, says: “It’s a real privilege to be part of this unique event. What makes String Together special is seeing musicians of different generations performing and learning together. For this year’s concert I’ve arranged a medley of Samoan songs that carry memories of home and community. When musicians and audiences gather in the same room, there’s a connection that can’t quite be captured anywhere else.”
University of Auckland, Tironui Music Trust, Sistema Aotearoa, Avondale College & Northland
Hear the music of the upcoming talent of students from University of Auckland, Tironui Music Trust, Sistema Aotearoa, Avondale College and Northland following intensive workshops by NZTrio and violinist Mark Bennett from the University of Auckland
The Great Hall of Kāhui St David's
Experience the Great Hall of Auckland's newest centre for music in the historic heritage St David's Memorial Church. Recently restored, and now serving Auckland through music.
NZHerald + Video with Amalia Hall violinist
Name of speaker / artist
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
