Czech Violin Sensation Features in Waikanae Concert

Young Czech violinist Josef paček joins acclaimed New Zealand pianist Michael Houstoun on a 15-centre New Zealand tour performing at the Memorial Hall in Waikanae on Sunday 20 June.
Josef is the 2009 Michael Hill International Violin Competition winner and part of the prize is a major New Zealand concert tour with Chamber Music New Zealand.
Recently graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music where he was awarded the Fritz Kreisler Award, which is periodically given to especially outstanding violinists, Josef is now in his first year of a Master’s degree at Juilliard School in New York with the legendary Itzhak Perlman.
Josef (23) was born in the Czech Republic and began performing in major concerts and festivals at an early age. In 2006 he released his debut CD, the complete Ysae sonatas for solo violin, and his latest recording is scheduled for release this year and features the works of H.W Ernst.
Renowned violinist and teacher Ida Kavafian says Josef is one of the greatest young talents of today. “He plays with a deep passion and a personal voice that will carry him to the top of his field. His playing evokes the style of some of the great violinists of the past along with the facility and sound of the stars of today.”
Josef’s Waikanae concert with Michael Houstoun features a programme of works weaving together music from diverse cultures and traditions to showcase Josef’s talent including Bach’s famous Chaconne, Mozart’s Sonata No 22, Gareth Farr’s Wakatipu, Ysae’s Ballade, Prokofiev’s Sonata No.1 in F minor and Smetana’s From My Homeland.
Josef paček and Michael Houstoun perform together in concert at Memorial Hall, Waikanae on Sunday 20 June at 2.30pm. Tickets are available on the door only. For more information visit www.chambermusic.co.nz