Mark Menzies (violin) and Michael Endres (piano)

Acclaimed German pianist Michael Endres, well-known to Waikanae audiences for his stunning solo recitals, is joined by violinist Mark Menzies for this varied programme of works by Mozart, Salina Fisher, Schubert and Richard Strauss. Both artists, who first connected through their work at the University of Canterbury, have established international careers. Mark Menzies has a world-wide 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”.

Michael Endres, whose multiple competition successes include the International Schubert Competition, performs worldwide as soloist and chamber music partner. Described by US critic Richard Dyer as “one of the most interesting pianists recording today” he regularly appears at prestigious festivals. His distinguished teaching career has taken him to universities in Cologne, Berlin and Norway, as well as New Zealand’s Canterbury University.

The programme moves from Mozart through the delicate beauty of Salina Fisher’s Momo no aware to the intensity of Schubert’s demanding Rondo. After the interval we can relish the luxurious romanticism of Richard Strauss’s Sonata.