Aotango Quintet
24 Apr 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Coronation Hall, Bannockburn
This concert features world-class musicians performing in Piazzolla’s original quintet formation, blending classical and contemporary instruments to create a dynamic and immersive experience. Designed to be both engaging and accessible, the performance will captivate audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds.
Sean Kelly & The Super 8’s
21 May 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Coronation Hall, 37 Hall Road, Bannockburn
Sean Kelly & Friends present an intimate show of live Irish music played to the backdrop of Super 8 movies taken by Sean’s Dad, a renowned Cine enthusiast, in and around Derry and Donegal 1958-1988.
The shoe features Sean Kelly on vocals, whistles, bodhran and guitar, Jono Lonie on fiddle and electric mandolin and Maree Limpus on AV and cello. Sean also presents an authentic dialogue in a tumultuous time in history of Derry, Donegal and the north of Ireland. It is a sensory-rich experience blending authentic Irish music with authentic imagery, no special effects whatsoever. The show is designed to entertain but also enlighten and to leave the audience with that elusive sense of wonder.
Elouan Quartet
30 Jun 2026, 7:00pm–9:00pm
Domaine Thompson Winery, 46 Clark Rd, Mount Pisa, Cromwell
A diverse, intimate and engaging presentation of mixed-ensemble chamber music for flute and string quartet
Folk Tales and Folk Tunes
Folk Tales and Folk Tunes is a chamber music concert that explores the rich storytelling traditions and folk influences woven into classical and contemporary music. The programme brings together a diverse range of composers, each drawing on folk elements to create deeply expressive works.
The concert opens with Night and Now by Elena Kats-Chernin, a piece influenced by the composer’s Russian childhood. With her signature blend of lyrical beauty and rhythmic drive, the work evokes a dreamlike world of shifting moods. This is followed by Mozart’s Flute Quartet in D major, an elegant work that reflects the composer’s fascination with folk-inspired melodies and dance forms. Together, these pieces set the stage for a journey through time and tradition, showcasing how composers have long been influenced by folk idioms.
After the interval, the programme moves into a more contemporary and dynamic sound world. A world premiere by Briar Prastiti brings a fresh New Zealand perspective, blending classical textures with folk influences that reflect Aotearoa’s unique cultural voice. Béla Bartók’s String Quartet No. 4, a bold and rhythmically charged masterpiece, embodies his deep engagement with Eastern European folk music, using extended techniques to create an electrifying soundscape. The concert concludes with Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango, arranged for flute and string quartet, tracing the evolution of Argentine tango from its origins to a sophisticated concert form.
Carnivorous Plant Society
18 Jul 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Coronation Hall, 37 Hall Road, Bannockburn
New Zealand’s favourite psychedelic exotic jazz band are back! Their time away from touring has been spent composing, animating and learning even more instruments to create a show that will mesmerise the young and the old alike. Prepare for a unique experience featuring vibraphone, tuba, harmonica, pan flute, synthesisers, drums, bass and vocals – all brought to life against a stunning backdrop of hand-drawn animations. Finn Scholes is joined by a team of New Zealand’s top musicians: World class drummer Alistair Deverick and the amazing multi-instrumentalist Sean Martin-Buss.
John Rae’s Celtic Roots
27 Sep 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm,
Coronation Hall, 37 Hall Road, Bannockburn
Join award‑winning musician and composer John Rae for an unforgettable evening, rooted in his Scottish and Celtic heritage.
Drawing on three acclaimed albums — Uncouth and Without Form, Celtic Feet, and Beware the Feet — Rae seamlessly blends traditional Scottish music with contemporary jazz influences. This special concert showcases his mastery of both tradition and innovation, offering a musical journey through Scotland’s rugged landscapes and New York’s vibrant jazz scene.
The setlist features acoustic renditions of much‑loved pieces such as Ye Banks and Braes, named Track of the Year by RNZ Concert’s Nick Tipping, alongside Rae’s original compositions. Performed by a quartet of world‑class musicians, the evening promises an immersive experience of melody, improvisation and cultural richness.
Swing 42
17 Oct 2026, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Carrick Winery, 247 Cairnmuir Road, Nevis, Bannockburn, NZ
Gypsy swing is a sophisticated and appealing musical style that emerged in France nearly 100 years ago. Drawing on American jazz, European folk and classical music, as well as Eastern rhythms and tonalities, it combines elegance with infectious energy.
Swing 42 presents this music in fresh and evolving ways, using traditional gypsy manouche guitar alongside clarinet, saxophone, double bass, and mixed percussion. The performers’ diverse musical backgrounds are brought together by a shared passion for this rich historical period.
Their repertoire presents musical “riddles” to be solved through the playful and adventurous context of group improvisation, resulting in performances that are unique, emotionally exhilarating, and deeply engaging listening experiences.