Listen to Michael Endres on Coast Access Radio

MICHAEL ENDRES

TOP EUROPEAN CONCERT PIANIST IN FEATHERSTON

Wairarapa classical music enthusiasts have been giving a warm reception to the Mulled Wine Concert series presented by Mary Gow. The series has so far covered concerts ranging from formal piano recitals through harp and flute duos to a full-on big-band jazz session. With valued support from local arts organisations and hopeful of support from commercial sponsors, Gow – a concert pianist herself – is intent on building upon her success to present a further series of concerts in the Wairarapa during 2026.

The highly regarded German pianist Michael Endres will return again to give a piano recital for Mulled Wine Concert in Featherston's Anzac Hall on Saturday 25 July at 4:00 PM. International critics have described Endres as "one of the most interesting pianists recording today". He has released 35 CDs during his career and his extensive prizewinning discography includes the prestigious Diapason d’Or (France) which he was recently awarded for the third time and the Choc du Musique which he has won twice. He has appeared at major festivals and concert-halls all over the world. A prominent academic musician, Endres had a distinguished teaching career in Germany, Norway and New Zealand before he decided to concentrate on performance and recording.

His reviews from music publications have been outstanding: Diapason magazine said of his 2018 release “An acoustic which allows the piano to resonate with a fullness, a brilliance without hardness, and a breadth of sonority which is ideal for Schubert, these works chosen by Michael Endres flow endlessly between jubilation and drama.”

His Featherston programme will include the Mozart Sonata K281, Schubert's Impromptus, Op. 90 and Liszt's Sonata in B minor.

Mulled Wine Concerts organiser Mary Gow says, " We are very excited to be continuing our presentation of new Wairarapa concerts this year. As before, our objective is to present the best music while keeping admission prices at an affordable level. The wonderful ANZAC Hall in Featherston has excellent acoustics and a splendid piano. What a pleasure it will be to hear exquisite music in such a pleasant setting!"