A Summer Tour of Masterpieces Across the South Island

Building on the overwhelming success of our previous tours—praised by audiences and critics alike as "world-class, absolutely phenomenal" and "a magical concert of great beauty"—the Baroque Community Trust is thrilled to present our 2027 10-city South Island concert tour.

This world-class ensemble will bring to life a stunning programme featuring Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto and Bach’s Oboe Concerto with international soloist Robert de Bree, alongside New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie’s commissioned work, featuring Czech harpsichord soloist Edita Keglerová. Every performance takes place in acoustically suitable venues chosen specifically to bring out the true, intimate colors of Baroque music played on period instruments, complete with gut strings and authentic historical interpretation.

Following our last tour, award-winning New Zealand composer and author Phillip Norman wrote:

“It was very special with a super sense of ensemble as well as impressive individual performances... You really are at the top of your game, congratulations. And how wonderful and deserved that it was as good as a full house in attendance.”

Professional organist and pianist Larry Beck similarly described our performances as "world-class," noting that the ensemble plays "from your heart and soul with a passion... lifting up our spirits" and leaving audiences on their feet for standing ovations.

For our 2027 tour, we are delighted to feature internationally acclaimed Dutch oboist, recorder player, improviser, and researcher Robert de Bree. A professor at the Utrecht Conservatory and regular performer with world-leading ensembles such as the English Baroque Soloists, Academy of Ancient Music, and Ensemble Pygmalion, Robert combines deep historical research with breathtaking virtuosity. Audiences will experience his mastery on historical wind instruments in Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto and Bach’s Oboe Concerto.

The programme also features renowned Czech harpsichordist Edita Keglerová performing New Zealand composer Anthony Ritchie’s Four Seasons in One Day, a solo harpsichord work commissioned specifically for the Trust. Postponed last year due to illness, we are overjoyed to finally present this extraordinary piece with Edita as soloist.

Robert and Edita are joined by a chamber ensemble of soloists in their own right: Szabolcs Illés from Hungary (baroque violin), Rakuto Kurano from New Zealand (baroque violin), Wil Anton Golja from Australia (baroque viola), and Tomáš Hurník from New Zealand (baroque cello). Together, this group represents a rich blend of international expertise and emerging talent—introducing violist Wil Anton Golja, whom we discovered through our Baroque workshop programme, performing alongside seasoned professionals.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music that transports you through time with passion, authentic period charm, virtuosity and artistic excellence. Find a concert near you as we travel across the South Island to Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Greymouth, Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch.

For more info on artists, go to www.baroquemusic.co.nz/artists

Door sales available, cash only