The Paekakariki concerts are back

By Mary Gow

After a long break because of Lockdown, Kapiti’s popular Mulled Wine Concerts are back with the first concert featuring Jian Liu, Mary Gow and friends.

Concertgoers have been eagerly awaiting the return of concerts and events and musicians of all stripes have been longing to play for audiences again.

Mulled Wine Concerts in Paekakariki will bring together some stellar names from the world of classical music in New Zealand. So, the first concert is at

Paekakariki Memorial Hall
Sunday, 7 June at 2:30 PM 

The size of the hall and the Lockdown Level 2 restrictions will limit the paying audience to 90, so people are advised to get their tickets as soon as possible.

A varied and entertaining programme
The programme features Jian Liu, Director of Classical Performance and Head of Piano Studies at the New Zealand School of Music. Together with long-time friend Mary Gow, organiser of the Mulled Wine Concerts, and also of major events in Brussels, Belgium, the duo have brought together Monique Lapins, violinist in the NZ String Quartet, Gabriela Glapska — a pianist from Poland who has recently completed her PhD in piano performance at the NZSM — and Ken Ichinose, Associate Principal Cello of the NZ Symphony Orchestra.

Concertgoers will be treated to an afternoon of fine music in a beautiful seaside setting.

Jian Liu starts the programme with pieces by Douglas Lilburn and Zianzhong Wang before being joined by Mary Gow to present–

Beethoven’s Sonata for Four Hands, Op.6;

The friends – Gabriela, Monique and Ken perform Haydn’s “Piano Trio in A major”, Schumann’s “Three Romances for Violin and Piano” and Janáček’s “Podádhka for Cello and Piano”.

The performance ends with the magnificent “Trio élégiaque No. 1 in G minor” by Rachmaninoff.

The shutdown has been problematic for musicians and concertgoers alike. But it has had the upside of keeping several of these high-level musicians, who would normally be travelling the world, at home in New Zealand and available for this concert. Local concertgoers are lucky indeed!

Getting tickets

Pre-sales (until 6 June) Adults: $25, Students (under 14): $10.

Door sales: $30.

Online sales: marygow@gmail.com
Info: 021 101 9609.

Available from Magpie at Paremata, 99 Mana Esplanade; D’Arcys Paekakariki Fruit Supply, 11 Beach Rd Paekakariki; Milk and Ginger, 18 Margaret St Raumati Beach; Moby Dicken’s Bookshop, Paraparaumu Beach; La Chic Hair Design, Kapiti Lights, JENOA Shop. 2 Mahara Place, Waikanae.