Yanghe Yu is a New Zealand-based violinist, concertmaster, soloist, and currently teaches at the University of Auckland School of Music. He serves as Concertmaster of Bach Musica NZ and Hawkes Bay Orchestra, and has previously held principal positions with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra and appeared as Guest Concertmaster with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

As a soloist, Yanghe has performed across Europe, North America, and New Zealand, with repertoire including Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, Dvořák’s Romance in F minor, and Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. His performances have received critical acclaim for their “delicate and beautiful” playing and “mesmerising” artistry, and his recordings are regularly broadcast on Radio New Zealand.

Internationally, he has performed with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the New World Symphony. Yanghe holds a Master of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Tal Amoore is a Sydney-born, New Zealand-based violist. He is a member of the Antipodes Quartet, the 2025-2026 Fellowship ensemble of the New Zealand String Quartet, a 2026 Auckland Philharmonia Fellow, and a Royal Over-Seas League Pettman Scholar.

He has performed across New Zealand and internationally at festivals including At the World’s Edge, Whakatipu Music Festival, Adam Chamber Music Festival, Sounds of Friendship (Korea), and the British Isles Music Festival (UK).

A committed orchestral musician, Tal performs regularly with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and has served as Guest Principal Violist with Orchestra Wellington, the Hawke’s Bay Symphony Orchestra, and the Nelson Symphony Orchestra. He was previously principal of the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra and has collaborated with NZ Opera, Wellington Opera, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Tal is looking forward to commencing postgraduate study in 2026 at the Royal College of Music.

French-born cellist Martin Roberts is a permanent member of the Auckland Philharmonia and an established teacher in Auckland. He grew up in Christchurch, where his passion for music, and particularly chamber music, was ignited. His tertiary music studies began at the University of Canterbury and were completed at the University of Auckland, under Edith Salzmann, and were followed by Master of Music degrees, both from the University of Auckland and the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen, Germany, with acclaimed cellist and chamber musician Mario De Secondi. Martin has also attended several overseas festivals, such as the Academy International d’Été De Nice (France), the Internationale Sommerakademie Schwetzingen-Worms (Germany), and the Tuckamore Music Festival (Canada).

Outside of the Auckland Philharmonia, Martin has performed in Aotearoa’s main centres on tour with Chamber Music New Zealand and the New Zealand String Quartet, as well as leading cello sections in ensembles such as Pipers’ Sinfonia and Orchestras Central Symphony. He also runs his own event ensemble, the Arcus String Quartet. Overseas, Martin spent a year playing with the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen and regional German youth orchestras, which saw him perform all over Germany as well as in Switzerland, Italy, and China. He was also an artist on roster for the Lincoln Centre Stage programme aboard Holland America Line, based in New York City.

Wellington-born harpist Ingrid Bauer is lauded for her “beautifully gauged tonal shading” (NZ Herald), “sensitivity and thoughtful phrasing” (Bay of Plenty Times), and “virtuosity, vitality and tonal colour” (Capital Times). A former student of Alice Giles (AM) and Judy Loman, she is now Principal Harp of the Auckland Philharmonia.

As a soloist, Ingrid has performed with the Auckland Philharmonia, Opus Orchestra, and Bach Musica (Auckland), among others. She was a quarterfinalist in the 2nd Dutch Harp Competition, and an invited participant in the 2009 ARD International Music Competition. Ingrid has also given solo recitals across Australasia, and has a solo CD called Dreambird.

Ingrid is a keen chamber musician. Her flute/viola/harp trio Toru has toured for Chamber Music New Zealand, and she also collaborates with Auckland Philharmonia concertmaster Andrew Beer in the Beer/Bauer Duo. Additionally, Ingrid is a founding member of the Australian harp septet SHE. Ingrid’s festival appearances include the Huntington Estate Music Festival, the Canberra International Music Festival, and the World Harp Congress.

Ingrid has also played as guest principal in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and in the Queensland, Tasmanian and Adelaide Symphony Orchestras.

Hailed for his impressive virtuosity, sensitive musicianship, and intense performances, cellist Dominic Lee creates a unique emotional connection with his audience. He made his first appearance as a soloist at the age of 13 and has since performed with orchestras and ensembles across the globe, including his American debut in New York City's Carnegie Hall.

Dominic studied at the Eastman School of Music as both a Howard Hanson Scholar and George Eastman Scholar, earning his Master of Music in Performance and Literature along with the school's highest performance honour, the Performer's Certificate. He later continued postgraduate studies at the University of Southern California in the distinguished studio of Ralph Kirshbaum. At Eastman he served as Teaching Assistant and Departmental Assistant, and was acknowledged for his leadership and artistic excellence with the Glenn L. and Frances Harris Prize. He also led the Eastman Philharmonia as Principal Cellist for the opening of the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media.

Dominic has achieved international recognition through a series of major competition successes, including the Silver Medal at the Anton Rubinstein International Cello Competition in Düsseldorf, First Prize and the Monterosa Kawai Prize at the Valsesia International Music Competition in Italy, a top prize at the Padova International Music Competition, First Prize at the American Protégé International Music Competition in New York, and First Prize at the MTNA Young Artist Competition in the United States. He has also received career support through a Professional Development Grant from the Eastman School of Music.

He has appeared as soloist with orchestras and chamber ensembles around the world and has performed with the Borromeo String Quartet, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and, more recently, on tour with the New Zealand String Quartet. Some of his festival appearance highlights include the Heifetz International Music Institute in Virginia, where he was invited as a Ueno Scholar, soloist in the "Stars of Tomorrow" and "Celebrity Series," and later honoured as an Artist Fellow in Residence, being featured at the PyeongChang Music Festival in South Korea as part of the Rising Stars series, as well as being invited as a Teacher and Artist for the Cellophonia Festival (New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington).

Upon returning to New Zealand, Dominic felt called to use his life as the instrument going beyond the concert stage, dedicating himself to creative leadership and service. He has served as Artistic Director of the Kaimai Christian Ministries Trust, led the Arts and Culture strategies for community and development organisations in South Auckland and Waikato, and advocated as an Ambassador for Tearfund. He now serves as a Specialist Advisor for Auckland Council, using his creative discipline as a platform to build community and cultural connection.

Acclaimed for her powerful expression, elegant technique, and captivating performances, violinist Anna Lee truly demonstrates music as a language of the heart.

Having recently returned to New Zealand after completing her studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston as a Dean Scholar, and Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, Anna is excited to share her skills and creativity with her home community. Her performances span from her 2015 debut at the Carnegie Hall in New York, to the New World Symphony and Boston Philharmonic Orchestras, to outreach performances for "Music for Food," to US Presidential House performances, showcasing her versatility and love for collaboration. Now, back on home soil, Anna has recently been invited to perform as Guest Artist with the New Zealand String Quartet on Tour, taught guest classes at the New Zealand School of Music (Victoria University of Wellington) and is eager to contribute and collaborate with the exciting music scene.

Anna's talent has been recognized globally, as the prize-winner of the Viotti Valsesia International Music Competition, Seoul National Junior Music Competition, American Protégé International Music Competition, and International Music Competition Premio Citta di Padova. She has been invited to perform at top music festivals like the Heifetz International Music Festival, and Bowdoin International Music Festival.

Outside of music, Anna enjoys the simple pleasures of life, often found running along local trails or spending time with her Border Collie, Cola, who keeps her on her toes. Having recently raced in the Tauranga Marathon and Hawkes Bay Marathon, Anna balances her intense musical career with a love for the outdoors and staying active - both of which help fuel her creativity.

Now, as she settles back into life in New Zealand, Anna is ready to blend her international experiences with her Kiwi roots. She's passionate about building connections through music, creating moments that lift people up, and contributing to New Zealand's rich cultural landscape.

Maria is based in Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland where she lives with her impressive cat Samson. A multi-award winning pianist, Maria loves combining her twin passions for music and talking in her work with RNZ Concert.

Maria has performed in New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, and across Europe as both solo recitalist and chamber musician. She has toured as concerto soloist with Opus Chamber Orchestra, the Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Youth Orchestra. Maria also had the honour of being selected to perform for the South Korean President Moon Jae-In on his inaugural trip to New Zealand in 2018.

Studying piano with Katherine Austin, Maria graduated from the University of Waikato with a Master of Music with First Class Honours in 2009. Maria was the pianist of Leonari Trio, which won Royal Over-Seas League Arts/Pettman International Scholarship in 2009 and played in prestigious venues and events including St. Martin-in-the-fields and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Leonari also toured with Chamber Music New Zealand in 2012 to critical acclaim.

In 2013, Maria graduated with Excellence under Professor Doris Adam at the Vienna Conservatory and received further training from Professor Christopher Hinterhuber at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Maria completed a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Waikato in 2022 where she researched the legacy of the renowned pianist Janetta McStay who was New Zealand's first full-time lecturer in piano at the University of Auckland.

Maria Mo joined RNZ Concert as a casual presenter in October 2023 and took a permanent role hosting Days each Saturday and Sunday in July 2024.

Camille Wells has been Associate Principal Oboe of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra since 2009. In demand with orchestras worldwide, Camille has performed as a guest with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra. Most recently, she spent the 2024-25 season in the role of Acting Associate Principal Oboe with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

Camille grew up in a small town outside of Boston, Massachusetts, where her father repaired woodwind instruments. After graduating from Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Camille attended Indiana University, the Curtis Institute of Music and the New England Conservatory. Her primary teachers were Linda Strommen, John Ferrillo, and Richard Woodhams.

Clarinettist Jonathan Cohen joined the Auckland Philharmonia in 2020. A third-generation musician, he was born in New Orleans and began his studies at the age of ten with his father, Steve Cohen.

Jonathan has appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, the Auckland Philharmonia, and the Minnesota Orchestra. Following the completion of his Master of Music at The Juilliard School, he performed for three seasons with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.

He has been featured at prominent summer festivals such as Mostly Mozart, Ravinia, the Naumburg Summer Series, Tanglewood, and the Minnesota Beethoven Festival, among others. In addition to his performing career, Jonathan is a dedicated educator who has presented masterclasses at universities throughout the United States and New Zealand.

In addition to his core orchestral work in the Auckland Philharmonia, Jonathan has performed as a guest with an extensive list of internationally recognised ensembles, including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Bavarian Radio Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony, and International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE).

Jonathan's principal teachers include Steve Cohen, Nathan Williams, Yehuda Gilad, Mark Nuccio, and Anthony McGill. He holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School.

American born bassoonist Ingrid Hagan is the principal bassoonist of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. She won the post in 2010. Prior to that she was a bassoonist with the New World Symphony in Miami, FL, USA, from 2007-2010. At 22, she was one of the youngest players to be accepted into the prestigious program in Miami. Immediately following her 3 years in Miami, she trialed with the Norrkoping Symphony in Sweden, before winning the job in Auckland. She has performed in Cuba, Venezuela, Guatemala, Panama, and Germany, with various ensembles, including the festival ensemble of Stuttgart. She was Principal Bassoon of the Breckenridge Music Festival in 2009, where she was selected as a concerto soloist, performing the Mozart Bassoon Concerto. She has played in several competitions, including the Meg Quigley competition (’07) which she tied for second prize, and the Swiss Muri Competition, in which she was the only participant to be selected from the USA or Australasia. (’13). In 2015 she traveled to the USA to compete in the Gilet/Hugo Fox competition, where she received an Honorable Mention. Hagan attended the Manhattan School of Music, graduating in 2007 and studying with the principal bassoonist of the Metropolitan Opera , Whitney Crockett. She is currently on the artists faculty of the University of Auckland, and has performed regularly throughout New Zealand with the Koru Wind Quintet, NZSO, Auckland Chamber Orchestra, and Bay of Plenty Symphonia. In 2013, she was a concerto soloist with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, performing the John Williams Concerto, ” The Five Sacred Trees.” It was the first time this piece had been performed with full orchestra in New Zealand. Hagan has been featured several times on National Public Radio in the US, and filmed on shows such as Good Morning Miami and also TV3 New Zealand. She can be heard weekly performing live with the APO on Radio New Zealand. Hagan plays on a Fox mountain maple #601 Bassoon.

Gabrielle Pho is principal horn of the Auckland Philharmonia, a position she has held since 2023. Originally from the United States, she is a graduate of the Juilliard School where she studied with Julie Landsman and Jennifer Montone and was the recipient of a Kovner Fellowship. She has performed with ensembles all over the world including the London Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Gabrielle was previously a participant in the National Symphony Orchestra's Youth Fellowship program where she performed regularly at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. In 2018 she toured Asia with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas. She has also attended the Music Academy of the West where she won the Digital Challenge for her original composition and multimedia performance.

New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge has a wide-ranging career as soloist, chamber musician and song accompanist. After studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he won the Gold Medal, he spent two years as a Junior Fellow at the Royal College of Music. Stephen’s solo performances have taken him to Hong Kong, Italy, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the USA, in addition to numerous appearances in London, at Wigmore Hall, South Bank Centre, Barbican Hall and Kings Place. Concerto appearances include the Philharmonia (London), Bournemouth Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony and New London orchestras. He has recorded solo works of Bliss, Messiaen and Arvo Pärt, for whom he made the world premiere recording of the piano sonatinas. He also made the premiere recording of the four Piano Preludes of Gorecki. As a chamber musician, Stephen has collaborated with groups such as the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet, the English Chamber Orchestra Ensemble and the Scottish Ensemble. Recent chamber music performances have been in New York, Dresden, Bogotà, Shanghai, Paris and Beijing, and he has performed at many international festivals in the UK and abroad. Stephen has also worked in recital with many musicians, including Dame Felicity Lott, Raphael Wallfisch, Alan Hacker and Viktoria Mullova. Stephen’s repertoire is far-reaching, from the music of the 17th to the 21st centuries. In 2001 he performed the complete chamber works of Arvo Pärt during the Edinburgh Festival, under the guidance of the composer, and he has become particularly associated with the music of Messiaen, which he studied in Paris with the composer’s widow, the late Yvonne Loriod. In 2008 he gave the first performance of the "Landscape Preludes", twelve new works by New Zealand composers, at the International Festival in Wellington, and with the NZSO has recorded the piano concerto of Lyell Cresswell, released in 2014. In addition to his solo recordings, Stephen’s recordings for Naxos, Sanctuary Classics, ASV, Quartz and Landor labels include song cycles by Ned Rorem and Samuel Barber, and chamber music of Messiaen, Shostakovich, Schnittke and Pärt. He has broadcast for Radio 3 and Classic FM in the UK, and has also been on radio in USA, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, as well as BBC Television.

Born in Chisinau, Moldova, Dominic-Lucian Drutac is a violinist from a musical family. From a young age, Dominic has been a member of the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra, and he has performed in many countries, such as Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Malta, Germany, Portugal and Georgia. In 2020, Dominic decided to continue his studies at The Purcell School and Junior Guildhall in London, England. As of September 2024, Dominic studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with a full scholarship under David Takeno’s class. Dominic is grateful to have been aided by trusts such as the Albert Cooper Trust and the Arthur Felsenstein Trust.

Some of Dominic’s most significant achievements are winning 1st place at the International Violin Competition in Nedeyalka Simeonovna in 2019, being a finalist at the Lutine Prize Competition in both 2023 and 2024, and winning 1st place, in addition to the Virtuosic Prize for Strings, at the New Talent Festival Competition in 2023. In his final year at Junior Guildhall and The Purcell School, Dominic was the concertmaster of the String Ensemble and Symphony Orchestras. More recently, he was part of the Pan-Caucasian Youth Orchestra 2025 at Tsinandali Festival.

A keen chamber musician, Dominic has had the opportunity to perform at Wigmore Hall on multiple occasions. This past year, he had the chance to perform alongside the renowned violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky in Malta and Sumina Studer in London. Dominic enjoyed being invited to join the Portuguese Youth Orchestra in 2023 to play in a baroque-style chamber orchestra, where he led the 2nd violins. In 2024, Dominic performed Brahms Double Concerto with the Watford Symphony Orchestra, and he was also one of the winners of the Purcell School Concerto Competition. Dominic has performed Sibelius Violin Concerto in July 2025 with Purcell Symphony Orchestra in Milton Court, with a violin kindly borrowed by Florian Leonhard Fine Violins.

Catherine Chang is a New Zealand pianist currently pursuing her MMus/MPerf in Piano Performance at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she studies with Ronan O’Hora and Carole Presland.

Since moving to London, Catherine has received 2nd Prize at the Liszt Society International Piano Competition and won the Una Clark Young Artist Competition.

She has gone on to perform with the Croydon Symphony Orchestra, Guildford Symphony Orchestra, and the Sampson Orchestra of Cambridge. Future performances also include Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the South London Sinfonia in 2026.

She regularly performs in the Guildhall School’s public masterclasses and concerts, the ‘Keyboard @ 8’ series at Milton Court Concert Hall, and gives regular lunchtime recitals at venues including Alyth Church, St Lawrence Jewry, and St Mary-le-Bow Church. She also recently made her debut at LSO St Luke’s.

She graduated top of her year from the University of Auckland in Classical Piano Performance under Richard Liu. In 2021, she made her concerto debut with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto.

In New Zealand, Catherine has been awarded prizes at all major competitions, including the National Young Performer of the Year, National Piano Competition and National Junior Piano Competition.

Catherine has worked with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Auckland Youth Orchestra, Auckland Youth Choir, NZ Opera, and Chamber Music New Zealand.

Catherine is grateful for the generous mentorship of Steven Osborne OBE since 2023.