Students from the Pettman National Junior Academy of Music accompanied by Iola Shelley (piano). 6 September. St Augustine’s Church, Cashmere. Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd.

Here were four fine young performers in an impressive and varied programme that reflected very favourably on the specialised training programme provided by the Pettman Academy.

All showed the potential to go far in music and I congratulate all these young players on their ability to tackle difficult music with such assurance. Grace McKenzie set a high benchmark with the intensity in Bach’s second violin sonata. McKenzie maintained good prominence to the shifting drone in the Andante and created an effective dialogue through contrasting dynamics in the Allegro. Secure playing from memory added to the spectacle.

Read the full review here.

Christchurch-based pianist previews his ‘Christopher’s Classics’ recital on Tuesday.