Graham, when did you become interested in historical performance and playing the baroque violin?

It was while I was doing my undergraduate degree in violin at Otago University that I first became aware of historical performance practice. My violin teacher Sydney Manowitz encouraged me to listen to recordings and do some reading about the ‘new’ way of playing baroque music and I took to it like a fish to water! I got my first baroque bow in my last year and then a baroque violin which I went on to study with Peter Walls in Wellington while completing a Masters degree. I then received a scholarship from Otago University that enabled me to go to the Hague to study with Sigiswald Kuijken for two years.

Twenty years is a big milestone for you as Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of NZ Barok. The concerts in October 2024 will also be your last with NZ Barok. Why have you decided to retire?

Well, I think twenty years is good milestone on which to exit and hand over to the next generation. It’s been an amazing journey being able to realise a dream of establishing and maintaining a baroque orchestra at the bottom of the world!

What can the audience look forward to hearing at the 20th Anniversary concerts in October?

Since this is an anniversary concert we have decided to play some of our favourite pieces along with a couple of newbies, so from our Nations CD you will hear fresh versions of Rameau, Brescianello, and Geminiani. We’re also including some Avison based on Scarlatti that we played in the distant past and then with guests we will play the Telemann Concerto for recorder and bassoon (with Jessica Shaw and Ben Hoadley) and a gorgeous vocal piece by Vivaldi with guest soprano  Kiwi/Australian Greta Claringbould.

What have you enjoyed most about performing with/ directing NZ Barok?

I enjoy rehearsals the most – when we explore and discover things and have robust discussions! It’s been a treat to see such commitment from a very stable team so I guess we must be doing something right! I’ve also enjoyed thinking up what to play next and getting the chance to play music I love. I’ve made some lifelong friendships as well.

What has been your most memorable concert with NZ Barok?

Ah, that’s a tough one. I think the Mozart piano concerto concerts with Erin Helyard were very special for me, recording our Nations CD, and the concert of classical music with Anneke Scott on natural horn– in that concert doing a Haydn Symphony was real thrill! There have been so many wonderful people who have joined us – it’s been a delight. Playing with Andreas Scholl wasn’t bad either!

What are you planning to do next?

Well I’m not retiring from my day job but in relation to music I’d like to return to where I started when I first came back from Holland – playing small scale chamber music and maybe recording a few favourite pieces before my fingers give up!!