Douce Ambiance

3 December 2025 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Riverside Community Cultural Centre, Motueka
Douce Ambiance

The popular and versatile Douce Ambiance quartet comprising of Cathy Irons (violin/viola), Dan Robertson (piano), Dougal Canard (double bass, guitar) and Doug Brush (drums) are all set to delight audiences again.

Well-known for the energy and creative musicianship they bring to the stage, this talented ensemble of top Christchurch musicians brings an exciting programme of rustic medieval dances, sublime classical music, light jazz, Irish, Tango with a little meditative Sting and a healthy splash of fiery Gypsy thrown in.

Escorted through time by the sonic landscape of strings – the violin, viola, guitar and double bass, and augmented with drum kit and world percussion instruments you can enjoy a wide variety of fascinating musical styles and genres from around the world.

A breath-taking concert that captivates from start to finish.

Book your tickets now to experience this extraordinary performance.

“A brilliant gifted ensemble...truly inspiring!”

Doors open at 6.30pm.
Door sale tickets are $25 adult and $15 child.

Anon. 14th century Lamento di Tristano - La Rotta
Niccolo Paganini Cantabile
Armando Neves Mafua
Dilermando Reis Xodo di Baiana
Astor Piazzolla Oblivion
Dorado Schmidt Bossa Dorado
Henry Mancini Slow, Hot Wind
Duke Ellington Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Vicente Amigo Roma
Beltaine Rockhill

and more...

The Musicians
Cathy Irons (violin, viola) performs regularly in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and tours with various ensembles throughout NZ with programmes from baroque to jazz. Her playing as been described by reviewers as “sonic fireworks that dazzle with all their brilliance” and “characterized by inspirational musicianship.” She has performed in the Cavell Leitch NZ Jazz and Blues Festival, the Dunedin Fringe Festival, Arrowtown Spring Arts Festival and has toured for Arts on Tour NZ and Chamber Music New Zealand.

Dan Robertson (piano) has performed at the New Zealand Arts Festival, with his own trio at the Christchurch jazz festival and with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra for the Last Night of the Proms series. While in Melbourne Dan teamed up with award winning song writer Cam Giles-Webb and appeared on several of Cam’s albums as well as regular gigs at Dizzy’s Jazz Bar, The Paris Cat, The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The Eltham Jazz Festival, and the Castlemain Jazz Festival. His work as pianist in Trios and in Showbands on cruise ships has taken him to New York, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.

Dougal Canard (double bass, guitar) is a multi instrumental musician much in demand around Christchurch. He holds a B.Mus in jazz performance, doubling in bass and piano. He has extensive experience playing bass in all styles including rock, funk, jazz and show work, including NASDA and the CSO.

Doug Brush (drums) is an extraordinarily versatile percussionist who has built a substantial international career. Locally he has performed with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Opera, and musicians Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Broadway star Andrea Burns, Kiwi legends the Topp Twins and Paul Ubana Jones, Fiona Pears, and the 'world jazz' group Mundi, among many others. He currently teaches at Christchurch’s Ara Jazz School.

Ticket information

Adult: $20

Minimum purchase of 1 ticket.

Child (under 18): $10

Minimum purchase of 1 ticket.

Buy tickets

Additional fees may apply.

Dates

3 December 2025 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm

Restrictions

All Ages

Website

Cathy Irons