Menzies/Endres Duo - Violin & Viola/Piano

Internationally acclaimed violinist and violist Mark Menzies, and celebrated pianist Michael Endres, bring their monumental programme to Wanaka on Friday 7 July at 7.30 pm.

Power and virtuosity define the fiery duo. Both renowned soloists, Menzies and Endres come together to tackle cornerstone works of the violin and piano repertoire with fresh and thrilling interpretations. From their first performance together playing Beethoven’s ‘Kreutzer’ sonata, the two shared an instant connection—a discovery that inevitably led to further collaboration and this ambitious programme.

The duo’s artistic force is apparent from the opener, Schubert’s 'Rondo brillant', one of the composer’s display pieces which is equally demanding in both the violin and piano parts. Menzies and Endres’ rendition of Schnittke’s epic 'Violin Sonata No 2'(quasi una sonata) affirms their reputation as master performers, taking audiences on an exhilarating ride. Salina Fisher’s 'Mono no aware' '(物の哀れ)' follows the bold Schnittke, offering a welcome moment of delicate contemplation. Referring to the elusive beauty of ephemeral moments, the piece’s delicate interweaving melodies were inspired by a time of transition in the New Zealand composer’s life.

The Menzies/Endres Duo close their colossal programme with the piece that sparked their initial connection: Beethoven’s 'Violin Sonata No 9, Op 47'. With the illustrious ‘Kreutzer’, Beethoven has both instruments playing daring, highly virtuosic, concerto style music. Ultimately, the duo’s terrific level of skill and intensity are sure to keep concertgoers on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

About the Artists
Mark Menzies has established an important, worldwide reputation as a violist and violinist, pianist, and conductor. He has been described in the Los Angeles Times as an “extraordinary musician” and a “riveting violinist”. Mark performed the first of a remarkable series of solo recitals in Los Angeles called '4:7' (4-in-the-time-of-7) - four separate solo violin/viola programmes in one week - the concerts receiving considerable critical praise. '4:7' has been since performed in Christchurch, Sacramento (2019), Wellington (2020) and Auckland (2021).

German pianist Michael Endres performs worldwide as soloist and chamber musician. After winning prizes at the Concours Geza Anda (Switzerland) and First & Special Prizes at the International Schubert Competition (Germany), he went on to be described by leading US critic Richard Dyer as “one of the most interesting pianists recording today”. He accompanied legendary Baritone Hermann Prey for many years and partnered with the Berlin Philharmonic soloists, and the Artemis and Fine Arts String Quartets. He has a distinguished teaching career as Professor of Piano at the Cologne, the Hanns Eisler Hochschule in Berlin, University of Canterbury, and the Barrat Due Institute (Norway). He returned to New Zealand in 2019 and now lives in Rangiora with his wife Susan.