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.

Handel-Halvorsen: Passacaglia
Felix Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No.1 in D minor, Op.49
Soma Trio: Be Still

— No Interval —

Duration approx. 50mins