The Night Watch

The Night Watch brings an exciting 2026 season to Wellington audiences. The Elements Unleashed series explores the connection between music and nature, bringing together some of the finest early musicians from New Zealand and Australia.

Our first concert, Verdant Earth, celebrates nature's beauty in a vibrant programme reflecting the richness and diversity of the natural world. We are delighted to welcome guest artists, countertenor Austin Haynes and Wellington based harpsichordist Bethany Angus, joining core ensemble members Kamala Bain (recorders), Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba) and George Wills (theorbo). Featuring exquisite works by Purcell, Forqueray, and Couperin, this concert invites you into a soundscape of elegance, vitality, and renewal.

Ocean Tempest, our second concert draws on the Baroque tradition of depicting the power of the ocean and the mystery of life beneath the sea. Soprano Carleen Ebbs joins The Night Watch to bring this maritime music to life. Featuring works by Handel, Forqueray, and Purcell, this tempestuous programme surges with energy and intensity. The Night Watch's core ensemble - George Wills (theorbo), Kamala Bain (recorders), and Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba) - is joined by an outstanding array of guest instrumentalists: Miranda Hutton (baroque violin) from Auckland, alongside Wellington-based musicians Anne Loeser (baroque violin), Malcolm Struthers (baroque bass), Bethany Angus (harpsichord), and Ben Whitton (percussion).

Our final concert, Desert Wind, is an evocative journey through the rich musical traditions of the Middle East and Mediterranean. This programme features acclaimed oud player Philip Griffin and internationally renowned percussionist Tunji Beier (Australia). We are also delighted to welcome Auckland based kamancheh player Rassoul Abassi, joining Kamala Bain (recorders) and Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba) in this exciting musical collaboration. Travel through a diverse and captivating sound world, where traditions intertwine and new connections emerge. Desert Wind weaves together cultures, histories, and sounds into a mesmerising musical tapestry - revealing music as a powerful bridge between worlds.

Buy a season ticket with a good discount - if you can’t make it, feel free to give it to a friend! Or if you like, you can buy tickets for single concerts. We have 100 seat capacity per concert so get in quick.