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| | Giverny Trio
The Giverny Trio is an exciting ensemble of leading New Zealand musicians with international careers: Catherine Bowie (flute), Christine Bowie (viola) and Helen Webby (harp) . The programme includes some of the most beautiful music ever written for this exquisite combination of flute, viola and harp. The Trio has toured the length of the country for Chamber Music New Zealand, and enchanted audiences with their “…sensitive rapport, total musicianship and passionate interpretation…”
- The New Zealand Herald
Best Chamber Music of 2003 (Ian Dando, Christchurch Star): “The unusual combo of the Giverny Trio in Debussy’s Sonata and a new work by Gubaidulina.
The Giverny Trio performed at the Great Hall, Christchurch on Sep 17, 2003 as part of Christopher’s Classics Series. The programme included a New Zealand premiere of Sophia Gubaidulina’s Garden of Joys and Sorrows, and a performance of recently deceased NZ composer Dorothea Franchi’s Suite from 1947. The members of the Giverny Trio are all former students of Dorothea Franchi, and dedicated the performance to her memory.
Colours of Spring, Giverny Trio. “ ….This chamber series’ commitment to high standards was surely upheld in this concert. Exceptional musicianship was consistently underlined in attention to dynamic details, beautiful shaping of phrases, and effortless fluency”.
Reviewed by Rachel Hawkey - The Press
Giverny Trio at Arts Centre. This meaty programme was one of the best-kept secrets of Christopher’s Classics Series. Even more surprising was the high quality of repertoire the Giverny revealed for its unusual combination of flute, viola and harp. The best of these was Debussy’s Sonata. This combination fits the Debussy soundscape perfectly. It’s fluctuating speeds and elegant arabesques were caught spontaneously on the wing by flautist Catherine Bowie, violist Christine Bowie and harpist Helen Webby. The other pearl was the expansive Garten von Freuden und Traurigkeien by Sofia Gubaidulina – Russia’s finest living composer. Its mood of contemplative spirituality was typical of her as was the individuality she gave to each instrument. The performance was magnificent. The third gem was Suite by Dorothea Franchi, one of the country’s first woman composers very active from1940 to 1970. There’s nothing wasted in this economical work with its clear-cut melodic ideas. The reminder consisted of Trio Sonata transcriptions by Bach and Leclair and Britten’s elusive Lachrymae for viola and harp. This was a demanding programme, especially for Helen Webby who played superbly throughout the entire evening. The Christchurch Symphony and Christchurch are lucky to have such an outstanding harpist.
Reviewed by Ian Dando - Christchurch Star
Short Bios
Flautist Catherine Bowie was a prizewinner in the Young Musician’s Competition at the age of fifteen. After brilliant studies at the Paris Conservatoire, Catherine obtained 1st prizes in Flute and Chamber Music and won many international awards. At present Catherine divides her time between engagements in Europe as solo flute of the Paris based ‘Ensemble Court Circuit’ and her teaching position at the University of Auckland.
Prizewinner in the Christchurch Concerto Competition, Violist Christine Bowie studied in Sydney and Paris before returning to New Zealand, and is currently Acting Principal Viola with the Auckland Philharmonia. Christine is well known throughout the country as a Chamber musician, and has performed and recorded throughout Europe, Asia and Australasia.
Harpist Helen Webby studied in Auckland, Holland and Germany before returning to New Zealand to take up her current position of Principal Harp with the Christchurch Symphony. Helen has performed throughout Europe as a chamber and orchestral musician, and was a prizewinner at the International Carolan Harp Festival in Ireland (celtic harp). Helen’s solo, chamber and concerto performances have received critical acclaim, and her recordings are heard frequently on Concert FM and National Radio.
Further Reviews from the 1999 Chamber Music New Zealand Tour
“Right from the start the musicians showed they have real stature with a strong sense of style” Rotorua Convention Centre (HSF)
“Virtuoso playing on the flute, harp and viola was a feature of the Giverny Trio’s concert to a full house at Mills Reef … The audience was reluctant to let the trio go”.Tauranga, Bay of Plenty Times.
“…attractive themes and a wide variation of styles between the instruments … the rapport between the performers was very evident at all times.” Jack Roderick, Gisborne
“… delighted the audience with delicate precision and grace … a close rapport was evident throughout the evening not only among the players but also between ensemble and audience … fine musicianship and sense of artistry drew a warm response from their listeners”. Whangarei, Northern Advocate |
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