Spring Series
Music to thrill your heart
Welcome to another wonderful season of music.
Unsung Heroes
Sunday September 20th 7pm
The Unsung Heroes tell stories from New Zealand’s settler past in finely crafted theatre, music, and song, with old newspaper articles & poems that deftly introduce each song’s central character.
A photographic slideshow of historic images as accompaniment, with, gorgeously evocative music and words, and Elliot’s old-style radio diction, sharp timing, and dry humour all predictive of ways we have come to see ourselves.
Featuring Peter Elliott- narration and percussion, Chris Priestley-vocals and guitar, Cameron Bennett-vocals and slide guitar, Nigel Gavin-7 string guitar and Sonia Wilson-vocals and ukelele.
The Unsung Heroes tell stories from New Zealand’s settler past in finely crafted theatre, music, and song, with old newspaper articles & poems that deftly introduce each song’s central character.
A photographic slideshow of historic images as accompaniment, with, gorgeously evocative music and words, and Elliot’s old-style radio diction, sharp timing, and dry humour all predictive of ways we have come to see ourselves.
Featuring Peter Elliott- narration and percussion, Chris Priestley-vocals and guitar, Cameron Bennett-vocals and slide guitar, Nigel Gavin-7 string guitar and Sonia Wilson-vocals and ukelele.
WindWood
Sunday September 27th 7pm
WindWood is a duo formed by longtime friends and musical colleagues Karen Batten (flutes) and Jeremy Fitzsimons (marimba and percussion). Both are highly experienced freelance musicians and current, or ex, Section Principals with Orchestra Wellington. Their first collaboration, at the 2021 Classical on Cuba Festival, was met with great acclaim. Combining the warm, rhythmic timbre of the marimba with the rich tonal colours of the flute family creates a remarkably diverse and expressive musical palette.
In 2026, WindWood will tour the upper North Island with a varied programme featuring works inspired by spirituality and dance. Audiences will experience the vibrant energy of Brazilian tango alongside the meditative tranquillity of Japanese music. The programme concludes with Kembang Suite by New Zealand composer Gareth Farr.
Karen will introduce audiences to the different voices of the flute family, performing on C flute, alto flute and piccolo. In one work, Jeremy moves from marimba to percussion, showcasing the remarkable coordination and versatility that are hallmarks of the percussionist’s artistry.
The intimate nature of the concert venues provides an ideal setting for communication and connection with the audience—qualities in which Karen and Jeremy excel.
WindWood promises a memorable chamber music experience: performances that engage, inspire and excite audiences. This is musical outreach at its finest.
WindWood is a duo formed by longtime friends and musical colleagues Karen Batten (flutes) and Jeremy Fitzsimons (marimba and percussion). Both are highly experienced freelance musicians and current, or ex, Section Principals with Orchestra Wellington. Their first collaboration, at the 2021 Classical on Cuba Festival, was met with great acclaim. Combining the warm, rhythmic timbre of the marimba with the rich tonal colours of the flute family creates a remarkably diverse and expressive musical palette.
In 2026, WindWood will tour the upper North Island with a varied programme featuring works inspired by spirituality and dance. Audiences will experience the vibrant energy of Brazilian tango alongside the meditative tranquillity of Japanese music. The programme concludes with Kembang Suite by New Zealand composer Gareth Farr.
Karen will introduce audiences to the different voices of the flute family, performing on C flute, alto flute and piccolo. In one work, Jeremy moves from marimba to percussion, showcasing the remarkable coordination and versatility that are hallmarks of the percussionist’s artistry.
The intimate nature of the concert venues provides an ideal setting for communication and connection with the audience—qualities in which Karen and Jeremy excel.
WindWood promises a memorable chamber music experience: performances that engage, inspire and excite audiences. This is musical outreach at its finest.
Jade Quartet
Sunday October 4th 7pm
The Jade String Quartet are committed to the performance of great music written by the best and newest of composers here in New Zealand as well as the masterpieces from around the world that make the string quartet repertoire so thrilling and inspiring to hear.
Their dedication to the development of music for the string quartet, and continued commitment to the New Zealand chamber music scene can be heard at their many fantastic concerts performed throughout Auckland. and neighbouring music societies.The quartet’s musicians are among New Zealand’s most accomplished
Violinist Miranda Adams leads the quartet with violinist Charmian Keay, Robert Ashworth on viola and James Yoo on cello.
The Jade String Quartet are committed to the performance of great music written by the best and newest of composers here in New Zealand as well as the masterpieces from around the world that make the string quartet repertoire so thrilling and inspiring to hear.
Their dedication to the development of music for the string quartet, and continued commitment to the New Zealand chamber music scene can be heard at their many fantastic concerts performed throughout Auckland. and neighbouring music societies.The quartet’s musicians are among New Zealand’s most accomplished
Violinist Miranda Adams leads the quartet with violinist Charmian Keay, Robert Ashworth on viola and James Yoo on cello.
Andrew Sords and Cheryl Duvall
Sunday October 11th 7pm
The duo of violinist Andrew Sords and pianist Cheryl Duvall have performed extensively in Canada and in New Zealand. Reviewers have praised the duo as “utterly radiant” (Canada’s Arts Form), “virtuosically fun and fantastic” (Kelowna Capital News), and noted that “Sords has an easy and humorous way with an audience”.
The duo plays with dexterity and passion, maturity and subtlety of tone (British Columbia Courier). They will present a thematic, melodic, and romantic programme for Sanctuary St James.
The duo of violinist Andrew Sords and pianist Cheryl Duvall have performed extensively in Canada and in New Zealand. Reviewers have praised the duo as “utterly radiant” (Canada’s Arts Form), “virtuosically fun and fantastic” (Kelowna Capital News), and noted that “Sords has an easy and humorous way with an audience”.
The duo plays with dexterity and passion, maturity and subtlety of tone (British Columbia Courier). They will present a thematic, melodic, and romantic programme for Sanctuary St James.
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 in honour of the beautiful little church where the series was launched
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 in honour of the beautiful little church where the series was launched
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 Quintet
- Clover Celtic Trio
- Shindig
- Ensemble Aaru
- Magnolia Trio
- Unlimited Acappella
- New Zealand String Quartet
- The French Toast Trio
- Benjamin Fifisi Makisi and Holly Evans
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, Bryan, 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, Bryan, 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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