Romancing the Violin: a Classical, Jazz and Romantic Concert

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra violinist, Cathy Irons extends her normal classical mould as she breaks into the realm of jazz in her forthcoming concert.

Whilst performing regular chamber concerts from string trios to duo recitals, she has quietly been taking jazz lessons on the side. Her first concert blending the two styles was packed to capacity and she subsequently toured southern South Island in December with a fabulous response from audiences.

You can expect to hear romantic music for Valentine's Day, virtuoso works displaying her high technical skills and light popular easy listening jazz: Kreisler, Elgar, Massenet, Hefitz arrangements of Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess" as well as "Autumn Leaves" and "Fly Me to the Moon".

Barry Brinson and Cathy have worked together as a duo for several years and have a strong musical repore. Barry is an established classical and jazz pianist, composer, arranger, harpsichord player, organist, singer and musical director.

Cathy Irons
played in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Philharmonic in South Africa for 10 years before immigrating to Christchurch in 1997. She is currently a first violinist with the Christchurch Symphony active in performing recitals and in several chamber groups including Tres Cordes, who have recently released their CD "String Trio Sapphires". In 2011, she performed in in the Nelson Winter Festival and in 2012 will be performing in the Dunedin Fringe Festival. She is a session violinist arranging and performing with Craig Smith, Julian Hay and Amiria Grenell. She is the Outreach and Education Co-ordinator for the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Barry Brinson
is a versatile Christchurch pianist, organist and harpsichordist with interests ranging from classical organ and jazz piano to composing, arranging and directing choral and instrumental ensembles. While a member of the choir and sub-organist at Christchurch Cathedral, in the 1980’s, Barry directed a Consort of voices and instruments specialising in music of the baroque and renaissance periods. He is a former director of the Cathedral Singers and was also for many years the musical director for the Cathedral’s jazz worship services.

Barry is much in demand as an accompanist and arranger for both classical and jazz concerts, and prior to the earthquake of September 2010, was organist at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church. Barry currently sings bass with the Jubilate Singers, 24-voice chamber choir in Christchurch.