The April Midday Concert will see Taupō audiences get a sneak preview of a cello and piano duo appearing at the 2025 Whakatipu Music Festival later in the month.
University of Auckland musicians Damon Herlihy-O’Brien and William Sun will perform a dynamic programme drawing from the Baroque and Romantic eras to contemporary. The concert features the drama of Prokofiev, the intricate movements of Bach’s solo cello suites, and modern works by Mark Summer and Martin Lodge.
This will be the premier presentation of the programme ahead of their performances together in Queenstown in mid-April.
The two award-winning musicians are also no slouches on their second instruments.
Damon was a 2024 semi-finalist in the prestigious National String Competition and his award-winning university ensemble, Kaha Trio, recently participated in a series of masterclasses with the famous Brodsky Quartet.
Alongside his rigorous performance schedule on cello, he drums for the popular heavy metal band Cyanide Altar.
William, pursuing a Master of Music, specialising in piano and trumpet, has achieved notable success at piano competitions and this year received the Haydn Staples Auckland Philharmonia Piano Scholarship. He plays trumpet in the Tian Guo Marching Band, The Auckland Youth Orchestra, and The University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra.
Entry to the 12-1pm concert, on Friday, April 11 at St Andrew’s Church is $10 (cash preferred).
