The Bay of Plenty Symphonia’s string players are looking forward to working with a leading New Zealand violinist in their Tauranga concert this Saturday, August 24.

The symphonia is performing a concert of glorious string music called ‘Strings Attached’ – and will be joined by violinist Martin Riseley.

Martin studied with Dorothy DeLay at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and today is Head of Strings at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington.

He’s held notable concertmaster positions in Canada and New Zealand, and has played chamber music with some of the leading musicians of our time, including Pinchas Zukerman and Yo Yo Ma.

Symphonia concertmaster Rebecka Beetz says Tauranga audiences will remember his mesmerising performance of the Sibelius violin concerto with BOP Symphonia in 2021.

“We are really excited to work with Martin for an intense weekend of rehearsals and performances,” says Rebecka.

“He will be our tutor, conductor and also soloist in ‘Winter’, one of the famous ‘Four Seasons’ by Vivaldi. It is bound to be a wonderful learning experience for our mostly adult players, and we’re thrilled to share it with the audience.”

BOP Symphonia will also perform ‘Holberg Suite’ by Grieg and Tchaikovsky’s ‘Serenade for Strings’. A repeat performance will be held in Rotorua on Sunday afternoon.

‘Strings Attached’ is Saturday, August 24, from 7.30pm at St Peter’s, 15 Victoria Rd, Mount Maunganui. Tickets are adults $15 and Under-18s $10 from Eventfinda or the iSite on The Strand. Booking fees apply.  Limited door sales may be available.