A Distant Light Shines – Music from New Zealand, Lebanon and Latvia – Amalia Hall (violin) and the United Strings of Europe

Following a successful concert tour in Lebanon together, Amalia Hall and the United Strings of Europe (directed by Julian Azkoul) will present a varied programme exploring themes of climate and atmosphere with both established and new repertoire. Supported by the Centre for Lebanese Musical Heritage and the Arts Council England, the concert includes the UK premiere of a new work by Lebanese composer Houtaf Khoury and an original arrangement of NZ composer Gareth Farr’s quartet Mondo Rondo. Amalia will perform a modern classic: Vasks’ Violin Concerto Distant Light. This will be the inaugural performance of the United Strings of Europe’s New Horizons International Artist Series.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Amalia Hall has won top awards at several international competitions including 1st Prize at the Postacchini, Janacek and Gisborne competitions. She has performed with orchestras on five continents and is the youngest-ever violinist to be appointed leader of Orchestra Wellington.

The United Strings of Europe is an ensemble made up of young professional musicians from across Europe who celebrate cultural diversity, champion new repertoire and collaborate with world-class artists. Under the direction of Artistic Director Julian Azkoul and Principal Conductor Franck Fontcouberte, the ensemble has gained recognition for its exciting performances, diverse programming, and wide-ranging pedagogical activities.

Franz SCHUBERT Quartettsatz (arr. Azkoul) Peteris VASKS Violin Concerto ‘Distant Light’

Houtaf KHOURY ‘Et le vent qui souffle…’ UK premiere

Gareth FARR Mondo Rondo (arr. Azkoul)

‘…the United Strings of Europe delivered both light and shadow, and the counterpoint was dazzling.’ – Midi Libre

‘Amalia Hall is turning heads on the national music scene and beyond.’ – William Dart, New Zealand Herald

‘Amalia Hall had a particularly sweet tone.’ – The Strad Magazine

Main Hall. Ground floor. Fully accessible.