NZ Barok presents a sumptuous programme of famous works by Bach with guest harpsichordist Erin Helyard, Australia.
Passion meets intellect under the hands of eminent performer, musicologist, conductor and musician-extraordinaire Erin Helyard (co-founder of the celebrated Pinchgut Opera and the Orchestra of the Antipodes in Sydney). Erin takes us through some of the greatest masterworks of Johann Sebastian Bach’s repertoire including Bach’s concerto for two recorders and harpsichord, Bach’s harpsichord concerto in D minor and Brandenburg No.3.
Programme:
Johann Sebastian Bach Brandenburg No.3 in G major BWV 1048
Johann Sebastian Bach Concerto for harpsichord in F minor BWV 1056
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for four violins in B minor RV 580
Antonio Vivaldi Concerto for Strings in C major RV 114
Johann Sebastian Bach Prelude, Fugue and Allegro for solo harpsichord BWV 998
Johann Sebastian Bach Concerto for two recorders and harpsichord in F major BWV 1057
NZ Barok, a collective of baroque specialists from across New Zealand, will transport you to the 18th century with their authentic instruments and period playing styles. Renowned for their committed, passionate, and cohesive playing, NZ Barok has received acclaim for their performances as a “sound-fest par excellence”.
NZ Barok thanks Dame Jenny Gibbs and Friends of NZ Barok for their support.
Introducing Greta Claringbould, soprano soloist for NZ Barok's Midwinter Christmas Concert by Candlight, Saturday 28 June, 7.30pm, St Luke’s Church, Remuera, Auckland.
Greta Claringbould (nee Mark) is a Baroque soprano who performs with purity, warmth and precision. Born in New Zealand but now based near Canberra, Australia, she has carved a niche into the world of Baroque music, beguiling audiences with her natural execution of florid coloratura and expressive vocal timbre.
Growing up on a sheep and cattle farm near Cambridge, Greta’s cherished memories of her first musical experiences, shared nigh on three decades ago, are with Helen and Catherine Polglase at the Waikato Secondary School's Orchestra. Despite an initial focus on playing strings, Catherine vividly remembers Greta "always singing"!
A late bloomer in voice, before evolving into a celebrated soprano, Greta first gained a BMUS (Hons) in performance Viola and was a professional orchestral violist, also leading the Violas in the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra. At the same time she sang with the Wellington Cathedral Choir and later took on the noble task of shaping young voices as Director of Canberra Children's Choir. However eventually Greta's lifelong enduring love of singing saw her retrain as a soprano and pursue a career in Baroque voice. Greta attributes her string background as advantageous to mastering phrasing, coloratura and a sense of holistic, cohesive ensemble as a vocalist.
Passion and aptitude for Baroque music has guided Greta to the position of principal Soprano Soloist with Canberra Bach Ensemble and a founding member of Ad hoc Baroque, a trio dedicated to performing esoteric Baroque chamber works. In 2017 the trio gave the antipodean premiere of Brunetti's 1764 Stabat Mater reviving a once forgotten masterpiece.
Greta’s performances have also taken her to prestigious local and international festivals including Europe where she has sung works by Bach, Handel and Pergolesi et al. Whether she’s soaring through the pages of Bach’s Magnificat or rendering Handel’s Messiah to life, she does so with a unique pure tone.
When not enchanting audiences, Greta shares her expertise as a private vocal coach, helping aspiring singers develop their own voice and style. With a career that blends virtuosity, passion, and a deep love for Baroque music, Greta Claringbould continues to be a shining and rising vocal artist in the baroque music world.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Receive first-hand updates on our concerts, reviews, and all the exciting happenings we’re immersed in. Join our community and be part of the musical journey with exclusive insights and news delivered right to your inbox. Don’t miss a beat – subscribe now!
© NZ Barok 2025
