James Tennant, cellist and Katherine Austin, pianist
The dynamic New Zealand Duo of James Tennant, cellist and Katherine Austin, pianist will be presenting a recital on Tuesday evening, February 4 starting at 7:30 p.m. The recital will be held at Central United Methodist Church in downtown Lansing.
James and Katherine have enjoyed an international career having performed throughout the world as individuals and as a duo.
James is originally from Michigan, the brother of St. Johns own Bill Tennant. He graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Michigan. He was principal cellist with the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Opera Theater Orchestra, Orquesta de Camera de Bogota, Sinfonica Nacional de Colombia and cellist of the Trio Mozart. He was also a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra before embarking on a solo/chamber music career.
Katherine, a New Zealand native, studied at the University of Auckland and has performed extensively throughout her country. A full scholarship to the Royal College of Music in London to study with the Russian Pianist, Irina Zaritskaya lead Katherine to an European career with many accolades, before returning to New Zealand in 1991. Katherine is head of piano studies at the University of Waikato Conservatorium of Music, where James is head of the cello performance programme, chamber music and orchestral studies. They are in high demand as both performers and teachers throughout the world.
Their program will include: Beethoven Sonata in C major, op 102 no 1, Martinu Variations on a Slovakian Theme and the Franck Sonata in A major. Some shorter works like the Rachmaninoff Vocalise and Beau Soir by Debussy will also be included.
Central United Methodist Church is located at 215 N. Capital Ave., across from the State Capitol. There is plenty of free parking. The recital is free of charge.