ARTLEY
& FINZI

Gustav Holst – St Paul’s Suite

Gustav Holst composed the St Paul’s Suite between 1912 and 1913 for the string orchestra at St Paul’s Girls’ School in London, where he served as Director of Music. While originally designed for young players, its energy and sophisticated string writing have made it a staple of the professional repertoire.

The suite features four movements rooted in English folk traditions:

  - I. Jig (Vivace): A bright opening with strong rhythmic drive.

  - II. Ostinato (Presto): Built on a repeating pattern that creates a sense of momentum and excitement.

  - III. Intermezzo: A gentle movement characterized by warm harmonies and flowing melodies.

  - IV. Finale (The Dargason): A joyful finale based on an old English tune that layers multiple melodies for a spirited conclusion.

Gerald Finzi – Clarinet Concerto in C minor, Op. 31

Composed in 1949, Gerald Finzi’s Clarinet Concerto is one of the most lyrical and expressive works for the instrument. As Finzi’s final large orchestral work, it reflects his deep affinity for English poetry, landscapes, and song-like melodies. Rather than a virtuosic showpiece, the concerto is intimate and reflective, with the clarinet often mimicking the human voice.

The work consists of three movements:

  - I. Allegro moderato: A gentle, thoughtful opening featuring an expressive conversation between the soloist and the orchestra.

  - II. Andante tranquillo: The lyrical heart of the piece, unfolding with the peacefulness of a quiet countryside walk.

  - III. Rondo (Allegro giocoso): A brighter, more playful finale that maintains Finzi’s elegant, melodic style.

Yvette Artley - Wairua Triptych 

This triptych has been an opportunity for me to draw upon all the musicians I've been throughout my life thus far, demonstrating a variety of stylistic influences.

'This Peculiar Dance Of Life' is just that - its highs, lows, peaks and uncertainties. 

'Autumn Equinox' takes jazz ballads, most notably the energy of Woody Herman's 'Early Autumn', as its inspiration. 

'Celtic Fusion' moves from hornpipe to reel via a crazy improvisato-style buildup.

Soloists

Elizabeth Lau (Conductor) 

Elizabeth Lau is the Founder and Creative Director of Wairua Sinfonietta, a non-profit orchestra that unites emerging and professional musicians to perform in support of charitable causes worldwide. In 2024, she also founded the Wairua Youth Sinfonietta, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of orchestral players and fostering meaningful musical opportunities for young musicians.

A graduate of the University of Auckland, Elizabeth was the first to complete a Master of Music in both Choral Conducting and Orchestral Conducting, alongside studies in composition, collaborative piano, and double bass. Her mentors include Dr Rae de Lisle, Honorary Associate Professor Dr Karen Grylls ONZM, Emeritus Professor Uwe Grodd, and the late Maestro Eliano Mattiozzi Petralia.

Elizabeth has conducted internationally and worked with ensembles including Auckland Philharmonia, Manukau Symphony Orchestra, Piper Sinfonia, Mozart Orchestra, Auckland Choral, and Bach Musica. She currently serves on the advisory team for the New Zealand Children’s Choral Academy, contributing to the development and support of young choral singers across the country. She is recognised for her thoughtful musical leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to building inclusive artistic communities.

Career highlights include serving as Assistant Conductor for the world premiere of LEN LYE: The Opera (2012) by Eve de Castro-Robinson, and participating in the 2021 world premiere of Ihitai ‘Avei’a – Star Navigator, an opera co-composed by Tim Finn and Tom McLeod. In 2026, she conducted the inaugural Chinese New Year Symphony Concert at the Auckland Town Hall, marking a significant milestone in cross-cultural musical celebration.

Through Wairua Sinfonietta, Elizabeth combines artistic leadership with community impact, presenting concerts that inspire audiences while supporting meaningful charitable initiatives. Outside of music, Elizabeth is passionate about cultural exploration, visiting art galleries, and creative expression through painting and photography.

Yvette Artley (Composer-in-Residence) 

Yvette Artley (née Audain) is a prolific New Zealand woodwind player and composer with a special interest in vintage jazz, recently completing several transcriptions of 1920s and 30s big band recordings for the Cairo Club Orchestra (Melbourne, Australia). Compositional career highlights thus far include the album 'Loop City' (settings of spoken word by Steve Smart and Amanda Anastasi, with violinist Sarah Curro), a self-performed album of her own work, 'Grooves Unspoken', 'Wera' (a commission for pianist Sharon Joy Vogan Cawston's 'Suite Aotearoa' album), and many concert band works including the popular 'Skirmish In Seven' which has been performed on tour by the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds. She is also an experienced orchestrator and arranger who has completed a variety of projects for the Auckland Philharmonia. Yvette has extensive experience in private, itinerant and online teaching and has led various community ensembles. She holds a Master of Music from Victoria University of Wellington, and from the University of Auckland she holds a Bachelor of Music and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching.

Annie Hong (Flute) 

Shanghai-born flautist Annie Hong earned her Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland School of Music under Professor Uwe Grodd, following studies at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music with Professor He Shengqi.

An accomplished soloist and chamber musician, she was selected as one of the finalists in the University of Auckland Chamber Music Competition. Annie was also a finalist in the University of Auckland Graduation Gala Concerto Competition in 2011, performing the celebrated Nielsen Flute Concerto at the Auckland Town Hall. She has performed as a soloist with the University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Youth Orchestra, and Wairua Sinfonietta.

Her artistry has been refined through masterclasses with legendary figures including Sir Simon Rattle, Sir James Galway, and Emmanuel Pahud. Internationally, she represented New Zealand at the 17th International Friedrich Kuhlau Flute Competition in Germany with the Esplendor Trio.

Annie’s orchestral career is equally distinguished. She has performed on world stages, notably serving as Principal Flute for the Auckland Youth Orchestra at the Young Euro Classic Festival in Berlin. Her extensive orchestral experience includes NZSSSO, the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra, Piper’s Sinfonia, Opus Orchestra, and Manukau Symphony Orchestra. Currently, Annie holds the position of Principal Flute for both St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra and Wairua Sinfonietta.

Joy Liu (Oboe) 

Joy has been involved with music all her life. Coming from a musical family, she started learning piano at 4 years old and the oboe from the age of 9.

Her love for contributing to the music scene and education has been longstanding. For the past 15 years, she has found various fulfilling roles, from teacher and mentor to co-ordinator and administrative positions, supporting students and amateur musicians in their enjoyment and development.

Having previously been a Director at Forte School of Music, Joy is currently teaching young children piano and oboe at her Auckland-based music studio.

“I feel like I am really helping, especially the younger age groups, to develop as human beings through music.”

Joy holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance (Oboe) and Diplomas in both Piano and Music Teaching. Joy freelances as an oboist and is currently the Principal Oboe of Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Opus Orchestra.

Matthew Baker (Clarinet, Saxophone) 

Matthew studied clarinet at the University of Auckland with Murray Khouri and Peter Scholes. Upon completing postgraduate studies at Auckland, Matthew dived headfirst into teaching and education, which is one of his passions. He is currently a sought-after clarinet and saxophone teacher in Auckland, primarily working at Saint Kentigern College, where he is also the Musical Director of the Saint Kentigern College Concert Band.

Alongside his teaching, Matthew has played and performed with a number of groups in New Zealand and overseas, including the National Youth Orchestra of New Zealand, Auckland Philharmonia, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and Bach Musica. He is a founding member of Wairua Sinfonietta and the Aotearoa Wind Ensemble. During his time in the UK, Matthew also served with the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers.

When not playing clarinet or saxophone, Matthew can be found hitting the drums or strumming away on a guitar, as well as enjoying DIY projects and brewing.

Ben Pollart (Bassoon) 

A bassoonist active across Tāmaki Makaurau and the wider North Island, Ben Pollard performs regularly with orchestras throughout the region. He is also a choral singer in the tenor sections of multiple Auckland choirs.

Outside the concert hall, Ben is a teaching-focused academic in Physics at the University of Auckland. His doctoral research involved building infrared lasers for nano-spectroscopy, and he now works as an education researcher exploring how students learn in physics laboratory courses.

Ben moved to Auckland with his husband in 2024 and enjoys balancing a life in both music and science.

Stephen Bemelman (Trumpet)

Stephen spent his first twenty-two years in Christchurch before moving to Wellington to study performance trumpet at the Wellington Polytechnic Conservatorium of Music. After studying and performing with many music groups in Wellington, including the Lower Hutt Titan Brass Band, Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and the NZSO, the opportunity to join the Auckland Philharmonia arose, and after a successful audition, Stephen was accepted into the orchestra.

After 15 years with the APO, Stephen departed in 2009. Teaching brass instruments now takes an increasingly larger chunk of his day, alongside playing all manner of musical styles with fantastically eclectic musical groups.

Anita Austin (Horn)

Anita is an Auckland-based freelance French horn performer and brass teacher. She graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium in Brisbane with a Master of Music Studies (French Horn), as well as receiving the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence. She is the current Principal Horn of Bach Musica (Auckland) and Opus Orchestra (Waikato), performs with other project-based ensembles, and freelances with orchestras around the country.

Anita spends her days teaching horn and trumpet at eight Auckland schools and loves using holistic pedagogy to help each student reach their individual potential, especially if it means she gets to be a bit silly! In 2021, she published a book of 60 duets for French horn or trumpet, Duets from Aotearoa.

Tom Chester (Trombone)

Tom Hails from Manchester, UK. He served in the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines in solo trombone for before settling in New Zealand. Upon reaching the shores of NZ, he served in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band in the position of Solo Horn and Piano. Tom has played with, arranged for and/or conucted every orchestra in NZ. In recent years has conducted the APO, MSO, ASO and AJO, winning a number of awards for his performances of New Zealand works and transcriptions. He also holds a Fellowship of the Royal School of Music in Music Direction.

Mary Lewis (Percussion)

Mary is also passionate about sharing her love and knowledge of percussion and has been a tutor for over 30 years, as well as running workshops at festivals. She currently teaches drums and percussion privately and in schools as part of the itinerant programme, freelances as a percussionist, and also plays for community ensembles, orchestras, and theatre productions.

Musicians

Violin 1
Harris Leung **
Michael Sun
Adrien de Croy
Nancy Chen
Mathieu Faliu
Chisato Aida

Violin 2
Olga Homenko *
Emily Wilby
Skyla Orr
Skyla McDonald

Viola
MeiFong Edgar *
Amanda Lawrence
Ben Flanagan
Dora Tsao

Cello
Masha Pavlenko
Xilong Zhang
Nina Gaste
Zoe Li

Double Bass
Mike Steer
Feiyang Wu

Special Thanks

Special Thanks

This concert would not have been possible without the generosity, care, and dedication of our wonderful volunteers—musicians, on-site teams, and behind-the-scenes supporters alike. Each of you has helped shape an evening that we hope will linger warmly in the memory of our performers and audience.

Our heartfelt thanks to:

  • St Matthew-in-the-City Event Manager – Dmitry Rusakov and staff

    • St Matthew-in-the-City - Event Manager Dmitry Rusakov and staff

    • Front of House Assistants -  Cheryl Hui, Arna Liang, Kitty Ling, Phoebe Wong, Josephine Yim

    • Website and Poster Design - Sarah Healey

    • Catering - Kitty Ling

    • Publicity - Elizabeth Lau, Tracy Ma

    • Flowers - Margaret Sek

    Your time, energy, and kindness have woven together every thread of this concert. We are deeply grateful.

    This music is as much yours as it is ours. Thank you for being part of our journey.