Afternoon Serenade

Join Joanna Gruskin, Sophia Acheson and Christine Wang for a programme of music for flute/piccolo, viola and violin.Piccled by Michael Norris PiccoloFantasia in F major, from 36 Fantasias for Harpsichord By Telemann arr. Jan Sielemann for violin and violaFirst madrigal from Three Madrigals, H.313 by Martinu Violin and violaSerenade in D major, Op. 25 by Beethoven Flute, violin and violaBiographies:Sophia Acheson Sophia, from Christchurch, studied with New Zealand violist Donald Maurice. She was subsequently awarded scholarships to study at the University of Southern California with Donald McInnes and the University of Texas at Austin with Roger Myers. In 2023 Sophia began her permanent role as section player with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. She has enjoyed playing in many chamber groups and as a soloist with Kāpiti Concert Orchestra.Johanna Gruskin Johanna Gruskin joined the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra as Principal Piccolo in 2022. Previously she was a member of the New World Symphony (Florida) and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Originally from Minnesota, she studied flute and piccolo at the Eastman School of Music, New England Conservatory, and Colburn Conservatory.Christine Wang Christine has been a member of the second violin section of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra since 2022. Prior to this, she was Assistant Concertmaster of San Antonio Symphony. She holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastman School of Music and Master of Music at Rice University, studying under Oleh Krysa and Kathleen Winkler respectively.Photos courtesy of New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Te Tira Pūoro o Aotearoa.