I will be accompanying the Hamilton Flute Festival this weekend at Fairfield Intermediate.
At the Masterclass on Saturday I will be accompanying students playing Poulenc Flute Sonata, Mov 1 and Mozart Flute Concerto in D Major, Mov 1.
On Sunday at 2pm there will be the final concert at which I will be accompanying Martinu Flute Sonata, Mov 1 and Romanze by Gaubert.

After thirty years of reliable use from my Weinbach it was time to find a new piano.The action is need of some work and hammers are getting rather worn. My Weinbach was selected from the pianos at Nimmo's in Wellington shortly after I started studies at Victoria University and was definitely my favourite piano in their showroom. It was paid for with our family Challen piano as a trade and a generous gift from my grandmother. The rich tone and firm action seemed ideal as a practise piano and has served this purpose brilliantly. Still a nice instrument, with some work it will hopefully find a new caring home.

Having looked at about forty pianos in five music showrooms I decided on the stunning Hupfeld at Sly's Piano House in Newmarket. The Hupfeld brand started in 1892 and for many years made player pianos (pianolas) from their factory in Leipzig, Germany. During the German Democratic Republic period they made pianos which are now not considered top quality due to the type of action used (Pianic). Since the reunification they have been owned by Ronisch, also based in Leipzig. Ronisch took over the Hupfeld Factory in 1990. More recently Ronisch have left the old Hupfeld Factory and moved into an extensive facility outside Leipzig owned by Bluthner. Consequently the wonderful Bluthner brand is now firmly linked to Ronisch. The factory produces Bluthner, Irmler, Haessler (all marketed by Bluthner) and Ronisch. The Hupfeld brand is being revived by Ronisch. My piano has aspects of the Irmler Art Design line in its unique 'Art Deco" case, Renner Action, Strings by Bluthner and is made by Ronisch. The Hupfeld pianos are so new that Ronisch have not yet finalised the range for their marketing. Mine was chosen from the factory floor and is the one of the first sold in NZ.
Tone is warm across the whole range with a wonderful singing treble. Bass strings are rich, resonant and balance the treble beautifully. Touch is light and highly responsive. Playing this piano is a delight!
Having enjoyed playing Bluthner pianos in the past at various events I am delighted to have found a new piano born in their factory and made with their skill and knowledge.