Autumn Series 2025
Our Autumn Series Artists
Bleu, Blanc, Rouge
The Bleu, Blanc, Rouge Trio stars Parisian singer/songwriter Sonia Wilson, whose captivating voice has been acclaimed across the globe from Paris to New Zealand.
Sonia is joined by the talented musician, mentor and composer Nigel Gavin best known as a virtuoso 7 string guitarist and the trio is completed by accomplished accordionist Tracey Collins who has toured extensively, performing an exciting repertoire on her digital piano accordion.
This international trio combines French café, jazz, and gypsy music with influences from New Zealand and the trio’s global travels.
Find out more about them on their Facebook page
Date: Sunday May 4th
Supper is provided after this concert
Sonia is joined by the talented musician, mentor and composer Nigel Gavin best known as a virtuoso 7 string guitarist and the trio is completed by accomplished accordionist Tracey Collins who has toured extensively, performing an exciting repertoire on her digital piano accordion.
This international trio combines French café, jazz, and gypsy music with influences from New Zealand and the trio’s global travels.
Find out more about them on their Facebook page
Date: Sunday May 4th
Supper is provided after this concert
Felicity Tomkins, soprano and David Kelly, pianist
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New Zealand soprano Felicity Tomkins is currently based between Australasia and the United Kingdom.
Felicity has been a New Zealand Opera Studio Artist (2021), and an AIMS Graz Opera Studio Artist (2023).
Her recent performance highlights include; Auckland Choral (Handel Messiah), AOS/MSO ‘Verdi Meets Puccini’ (Cio-Cio-San, Madama Butterfly), Cincinnati Opera (Military Wife 1, The Knock), CCM Opera (Madame Lidoine Dialogues des Carmélites, Jeannette L’amant Anonyme).
Felicity will be accompanied by David Kelly. A repetiteur and pianist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand.
Date: Sunday May 11th
Find out more about Felicity on her website
Felicity has been a New Zealand Opera Studio Artist (2021), and an AIMS Graz Opera Studio Artist (2023).
Her recent performance highlights include; Auckland Choral (Handel Messiah), AOS/MSO ‘Verdi Meets Puccini’ (Cio-Cio-San, Madama Butterfly), Cincinnati Opera (Military Wife 1, The Knock), CCM Opera (Madame Lidoine Dialogues des Carmélites, Jeannette L’amant Anonyme).
Felicity will be accompanied by David Kelly. A repetiteur and pianist based in Tāmaki Makaurau, New Zealand.
Date: Sunday May 11th
Find out more about Felicity on her website
Orion Saxophone Quartet
The Orion Saxophone Quartet was formed in 2021 by four Auckland-based members of the New Zealand Saxophone Society.
As professional performers and teachers, they have each individually worked with groups such as the NZSO and APO as well as orchestras and ensembles abroad.
Orion is quickly establishing itself as one of Auckland's most exciting new chamber groups, captivating audiences with the magic of the saxophone quartet genre.
The group champions cutting edge quartet repertoire from both Aotearoa and abroad.
Date: Sunday May 18th
As professional performers and teachers, they have each individually worked with groups such as the NZSO and APO as well as orchestras and ensembles abroad.
Orion is quickly establishing itself as one of Auckland's most exciting new chamber groups, captivating audiences with the magic of the saxophone quartet genre.
The group champions cutting edge quartet repertoire from both Aotearoa and abroad.
Date: Sunday May 18th
The Nairobi Trio
Described as New Zealand's favourite “Jazz Entertainers”, the Nairobi trio has played in all manner of settings – Village halls, Vineyards, Theatres and Festivals of every kind – you name it, they’ve played it!
Their international touring has taken them around the world 20 times and this has included shows at Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Festival stages in the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy and France and throughout Australasia and the Pacific.
Always playing to the crowd, the band showcases skilfully crafted original material which at times quotes Jazz-infused and at times Celtic references from a travelogue of Aotearoa, reimagined Jazz standards and some popular repertoire delivered in a dynamic engaging live show.
Nairobi Trio are Richard Adams (Violin/ vocals), John Quigley (Guitar/ vocals) and Aaron Coddel (Bass/ vocals).
Date: Sunday May 25th
Find out more about them on their website
Their international touring has taken them around the world 20 times and this has included shows at Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Festival stages in the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Italy and France and throughout Australasia and the Pacific.
Always playing to the crowd, the band showcases skilfully crafted original material which at times quotes Jazz-infused and at times Celtic references from a travelogue of Aotearoa, reimagined Jazz standards and some popular repertoire delivered in a dynamic engaging live show.
Nairobi Trio are Richard Adams (Violin/ vocals), John Quigley (Guitar/ vocals) and Aaron Coddel (Bass/ vocals).
Date: Sunday May 25th
Find out more about them on their website
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About Sanctuary St James
It started off in a living room.
A few friends gathered to hear some other friends perform music.
But you know how it is. You can't keep a good thing to yourself.
So, in 2021, it expanded to performances in the historic St James’ Ardmore.
Wooden floors and high ceilings provided excellent acoustics and an intimate setting.
Joyce Cowan, chair of the Sanctuary St. James committee says,
“The arts can open us up to spiritual experiences, and the presence of God.
I hope the concerts will provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the lovely church building and atmosphere but most of all to be blessed by an hour set aside to enjoy music and visual art, relax, have fun and perhaps feel the blessing that can be experienced as described by Beethoven: ‘The vibrations on the air are the breath of God speaking to a man’s soul. Music is the language of God.’”
We no longer hold our concert series at St. James Ardmore, because, well the borer are the only things holding the old church together. But we have kept the Sanctuary St. James title as we hope to get back there one day
We now have performances in the equally historic All Souls Clevedon.
This venue can seat 80 people and has a modern sound system.
It started off in a living room.
A few friends gathered to hear some other friends perform music.
But you know how it is. You can't keep a good thing to yourself.
So, in 2021, it expanded to performances in the historic St James’ Ardmore.
Wooden floors and high ceilings provided excellent acoustics and an intimate setting.
Joyce Cowan, chair of the Sanctuary St. James committee says,
“The arts can open us up to spiritual experiences, and the presence of God.
I hope the concerts will provide an opportunity for people to enjoy the lovely church building and atmosphere but most of all to be blessed by an hour set aside to enjoy music and visual art, relax, have fun and perhaps feel the blessing that can be experienced as described by Beethoven: ‘The vibrations on the air are the breath of God speaking to a man’s soul. Music is the language of God.’”
We no longer hold our concert series at St. James Ardmore, because, well the borer are the only things holding the old church together. But we have kept the Sanctuary St. James title as we hope to get back there one day
We now have performances in the equally historic All Souls Clevedon.
This venue can seat 80 people and has a modern sound system.
Types of music
We offer a wide variety of musical styles to suit every taste in music.
Local people get to hear world class violinists, opera, tango, choir, Celtic jigs and more.
It's not church music or worship and you won't be handed a hymn book or be asked to pray!
People appreciate having such high quality performances locally and also love the atmosphere of our beautiful historic church, with the candlelight and ivy decorations which create a special ambiance.
Performers are encouraged to communicate to the audience about their music, instrument, etc, so that there is an educational component as well.
Local people get to hear world class violinists, opera, tango, choir, Celtic jigs and more.
It's not church music or worship and you won't be handed a hymn book or be asked to pray!
People appreciate having such high quality performances locally and also love the atmosphere of our beautiful historic church, with the candlelight and ivy decorations which create a special ambiance.
Performers are encouraged to communicate to the audience about their music, instrument, etc, so that there is an educational component as well.
Recent Performers
- Amalia Hall
- Luminata Voices
- Aotango Duo
- Clover Celtic Trio
- Shindig
- Ensemble Aaru
- Magnolia Trio
- Unlimited Acappella
What the musicians say
Musicians regularly express their pleasure at performing in such a beautiful space, and appreciate the intimacy of a small venue with such an appreciative audience.
For instance, violinist Peter Clark (NZ String quartet) performed with fellow violinist Amalia Hall in our spring series 2024 and sent this message following the concert.
Thank you again for the incredibly beautifully organised recital at Clevedon.
It was honestly one of the most generous and enthusiastic audiences I’ve experienced for a long time!
For instance, violinist Peter Clark (NZ String quartet) performed with fellow violinist Amalia Hall in our spring series 2024 and sent this message following the concert.
Thank you again for the incredibly beautifully organised recital at Clevedon.
It was honestly one of the most generous and enthusiastic audiences I’ve experienced for a long time!
Peter Clark performing with Amalia Hall
What the audience says
Audience feedback has been similarly positive as this message from Jim Peters demonstrates:
I went to my first concert last night and enjoyed it very much. I'm not a massive fan of piano accordion music but I was impressed by what I heard (AOTango Duo).
The musicianship of both artists was astounding.
Thank you for your part in bringing such high quality entertainment to our community.
As many people attend the series of 4 concerts for each season, they often benefit from the opportunity to enjoy a genre of music that they may otherwise not have experienced due to the wide range of artists.
It is pleasing to see the smiles and animated conversation after each concert as people linger to talk to others and often chat to the musicians.
I went to my first concert last night and enjoyed it very much. I'm not a massive fan of piano accordion music but I was impressed by what I heard (AOTango Duo).
The musicianship of both artists was astounding.
Thank you for your part in bringing such high quality entertainment to our community.
As many people attend the series of 4 concerts for each season, they often benefit from the opportunity to enjoy a genre of music that they may otherwise not have experienced due to the wide range of artists.
It is pleasing to see the smiles and animated conversation after each concert as people linger to talk to others and often chat to the musicians.
Funding
Four concerts are offered each spring and autumn. These are funded by ticket sales and through grants by the Franklin Local Board - Auckland City Council and Creative NZ
We keep ticket prices low so as to enable all to come and enjoy the gift of music.
We keep ticket prices low so as to enable all to come and enjoy the gift of music.
Who is involved?
We have a committee that pulls all the strands together.
We are music lovers, but we also bring multiple different talents together to make the music happen.
Meet the team. Joanne, Byran, Jeffery, Joyce, Barry, and John
We are music lovers, but we also bring multiple different talents together to make the music happen.
Meet the team. Joanne, Byran, Jeffery, Joyce, Barry, and John
What's next?
Keep coming back here to get updates or sign up to our email list to help us to inform you of future events.
Art is how we decorate space.
Music is how we decorate time.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Music is how we decorate time.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Sanctuary – St James is offered by The Anglican Parish of Clevedon, with support from Franklin Local Board.
If you have any questions, email: [email protected] or phone (09) 292 8763.
If you have any questions, email: [email protected] or phone (09) 292 8763.
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