Autumn 2026 SeriesWelcome to our Autumn 2026 series.
Here is a list of this seasons concerts:
Season Tickets must be purchased by 3pm on Sunday 03 May. Season Tickets cost $105 for the full season (and includes supper on Sunday 03 May after the concert and GST). Individual concert tickets must be purchased by 3pm on the day of the concert or cash payment at the door (subject to availability). Individual concert tickets cost: $35 (includes GST and supper after the concert) for the first concert; and $30 (includes GST) for each of the following three concerts. |
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Amalia Hall and Callum Hall
7-8pm Sunday 03-May
Sister and brother duo Amalia and Callum Hall headline our first concert of the series.
Amalia Hall
Noted by The Strad for her "blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity", New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall celebrates a diverse career as an international soloist, as Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio.
Amalia's career blossomed from winning the 1st prize at five international competitions.
She is a laureate prizewinner at numerous others, including the Joseph Joachim International Competition.
Since her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia at age 9, her solo appearances include I Virtuosi Italiani, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, United Strings of Europe, National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan and Mexico State Symphony Orchestra.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Amalia studied under the tutelage of renowned violinists Pamela Frank and Joseph Silverstein. Amalia currently plays on the c. 1700 Vincenzo Rugeri ‘Baron Knoop’ violin, generously on loan from a private benefactor.
Find out more about Amalia Hall here.
Callum Hall
Cellist Callum Hall embraces a diverse range of music, with his performances bridging the worlds of classical and contemporary, chamber music and symphonic repertoire, as well as inspiring young musicians as a sought after pedagogue.
Callum has played as Guest Principal Cello with major orchestras in New Zealand including Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Chamber Orchestra and Opus Chamber Orchestra, alongside being a frequent performer with the Auckland Philharmonia.
A passionate chamber musician, Callum has performed in Aotearoa and Australia as guest cellist with leading NewZealand chamber groups NZTrio, JadeStringQuartet and the NewZealand String Quartet.
Callum has recorded for Atoll Records, and his performances have been broadcast on Radio NewZealand Concert. Festival appearances include the Upsurge Festival, the Asian Composers League Festival, the Warren Chamber Music Festival, the Auckland String Quartet Summer School, and the Waiheke Chamber Music Festival.
Callum received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Michigan State University, where he was a teaching assistant to Suren Bagratuni.
Prior to his studies in the USA he completed his Masters degree at the University of Waikato, studying with James Tennant.
Callum has a vibrant teaching studio and is deeply committed to building the next generation of musicians, especially as a tutor at festivals such as the Auckland String Quartet Summer School and Rimufest.
Find out more about Callum Hall here
Amalia Hall
Noted by The Strad for her "blazing insight and dazzling virtuosity", New Zealand violinist Amalia Hall celebrates a diverse career as an international soloist, as Concertmaster of Orchestra Wellington and violinist of NZTrio.
Amalia's career blossomed from winning the 1st prize at five international competitions.
She is a laureate prizewinner at numerous others, including the Joseph Joachim International Competition.
Since her debut with the Auckland Philharmonia at age 9, her solo appearances include I Virtuosi Italiani, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, United Strings of Europe, National Symphony Orchestra of Uzbekistan and Mexico State Symphony Orchestra.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Amalia studied under the tutelage of renowned violinists Pamela Frank and Joseph Silverstein. Amalia currently plays on the c. 1700 Vincenzo Rugeri ‘Baron Knoop’ violin, generously on loan from a private benefactor.
Find out more about Amalia Hall here.
Callum Hall
Cellist Callum Hall embraces a diverse range of music, with his performances bridging the worlds of classical and contemporary, chamber music and symphonic repertoire, as well as inspiring young musicians as a sought after pedagogue.
Callum has played as Guest Principal Cello with major orchestras in New Zealand including Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Chamber Orchestra and Opus Chamber Orchestra, alongside being a frequent performer with the Auckland Philharmonia.
A passionate chamber musician, Callum has performed in Aotearoa and Australia as guest cellist with leading NewZealand chamber groups NZTrio, JadeStringQuartet and the NewZealand String Quartet.
Callum has recorded for Atoll Records, and his performances have been broadcast on Radio NewZealand Concert. Festival appearances include the Upsurge Festival, the Asian Composers League Festival, the Warren Chamber Music Festival, the Auckland String Quartet Summer School, and the Waiheke Chamber Music Festival.
Callum received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from Michigan State University, where he was a teaching assistant to Suren Bagratuni.
Prior to his studies in the USA he completed his Masters degree at the University of Waikato, studying with James Tennant.
Callum has a vibrant teaching studio and is deeply committed to building the next generation of musicians, especially as a tutor at festivals such as the Auckland String Quartet Summer School and Rimufest.
Find out more about Callum Hall here
Morningtown Ride - A Tribute to The Seekers
3 - 4pm (Matinee) and 7-8pm Sunday 10-May
A Tribute to The Seekers
This is what the musicians say about their work ...
The music of The Seekers has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember.
Their songs told stories, lifted spirits, and brought people together — and that’s exactly why Morningtown Ride was formed.
We are a group of performers who genuinely love this music. Every harmony, every lyric, and every melody is performed with care and respect for the original sound that made The Seekers so special.
From “Morningtown Ride” and “I’ll Never Find Another You” to “The Carnival Is Over” and “Georgy Girl”, we play the songs that still mean so much to so many.
Our aim is simple: to celebrate the joy, warmth, and enduring beauty of The Seekers’ music and to share it with audiences who know every word — and with those hearing it for the first time.
We’d love you to join us for an evening of memories, smiles, and great songs.
This is what the musicians say about their work ...
The music of The Seekers has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember.
Their songs told stories, lifted spirits, and brought people together — and that’s exactly why Morningtown Ride was formed.
We are a group of performers who genuinely love this music. Every harmony, every lyric, and every melody is performed with care and respect for the original sound that made The Seekers so special.
From “Morningtown Ride” and “I’ll Never Find Another You” to “The Carnival Is Over” and “Georgy Girl”, we play the songs that still mean so much to so many.
Our aim is simple: to celebrate the joy, warmth, and enduring beauty of The Seekers’ music and to share it with audiences who know every word — and with those hearing it for the first time.
We’d love you to join us for an evening of memories, smiles, and great songs.
Duo Vivo
7-8pm Sunday 17-May
VIVO
Duo Vivo is comprised of Miranda Adams (violin), and Tatiana Lanchtchikova (piano/accordion).
Miranda has been assistant concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia (APO) since 1994 and has performed concertos with many renowned orchestras.
She also leads the Jade Quartet, one of New Zealand’s leading chamber music groups.
Tatiana established the Epsom School of Music and has experience as an international music competition judge. Additionally she is a chamber music musician, accompanist and associate player with the APO.
Duo Vivo was formed in 2003 and immediately found popularity through their CD 'Jealousy, tango music', being invited to perform at the Wellington Arts Festival, Auckland Arts Festival and touring for ‘Arts on Tour NZ’ (AOTNZ). Their programme provides a colourful contrast of classical, tango and gypsy music.
Duo Vivo is comprised of Miranda Adams (violin), and Tatiana Lanchtchikova (piano/accordion).
Miranda has been assistant concertmaster with the Auckland Philharmonia (APO) since 1994 and has performed concertos with many renowned orchestras.
She also leads the Jade Quartet, one of New Zealand’s leading chamber music groups.
Tatiana established the Epsom School of Music and has experience as an international music competition judge. Additionally she is a chamber music musician, accompanist and associate player with the APO.
Duo Vivo was formed in 2003 and immediately found popularity through their CD 'Jealousy, tango music', being invited to perform at the Wellington Arts Festival, Auckland Arts Festival and touring for ‘Arts on Tour NZ’ (AOTNZ). Their programme provides a colourful contrast of classical, tango and gypsy music.
Heaven Bent
7-8pm Sunday 24-May
Heaven Bent emerged out of an Auckland singing workshop led by acappella ‘gospel guru’ Tony Backhouse in 1996.
Inspired by the power of spirituals and gospel music, a group of participants decided to sing together on a regular basis, and this group became Heaven Bent.
Over the thirty years since it was formed Heaven Bent has sung at a wide variety of venues and events: concerts, music festivals, charity fundraisers, television appearances and special services such as Waitangi Day and the annual organ donor thanksgiving service at the Parnell Holy Trinity Cathedral.
In recent years, Heaven Bent has also staged some themed concerts—for example March to Freedom, a compilation of songs and personal narratives from the Civil Rights era, and From Africa to America, Songs of the Soul, a collection of gospel songs in many African languages along with African American favourites.
Under Heaven Bent’s current musical director, Shona Fisher, the choir’s focus on African American gospel music remains strong, while continuing to expand the repertoire that includes African, Māori and Pasifika sacred songs in a cappella harmony.
Heaven Bent members share a passion for gospel music in its many forms, the love of music and the aroha of the singing community
Learn more about Heaven Bent here
Inspired by the power of spirituals and gospel music, a group of participants decided to sing together on a regular basis, and this group became Heaven Bent.
Over the thirty years since it was formed Heaven Bent has sung at a wide variety of venues and events: concerts, music festivals, charity fundraisers, television appearances and special services such as Waitangi Day and the annual organ donor thanksgiving service at the Parnell Holy Trinity Cathedral.
In recent years, Heaven Bent has also staged some themed concerts—for example March to Freedom, a compilation of songs and personal narratives from the Civil Rights era, and From Africa to America, Songs of the Soul, a collection of gospel songs in many African languages along with African American favourites.
Under Heaven Bent’s current musical director, Shona Fisher, the choir’s focus on African American gospel music remains strong, while continuing to expand the repertoire that includes African, Māori and Pasifika sacred songs in a cappella harmony.
Heaven Bent members share a passion for gospel music in its many forms, the love of music and the aroha of the singing community
Learn more about Heaven Bent here
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, 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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