Location: Whirinaki Whare Taonga, 836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
Little Landscapes: 8 and 9 July 2026 | 10.00am – 2.00pm
Free entry. No bookings required
A fun, hands-on watercolour workshop for kids inspired by the art of Nugent Welch.
Lunchtime Live!: 14 Jul 2026 | 1.00pm
Entry by donation
A series of lunchtime concerts given by performance students from Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music.
Enjoy some of the finest young musicians in the country.
Lunchtime Live! is brought to you by Whirinaki Whare Taonga, The Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust and Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington.
Programme:
14 Jul: Strings | 11 Aug: Voice | 8 Sep: Winds and Brass | 6 Oct: Piano
Entry by donation. Proceeds to the Upper Hutt Concert Grand Piano Trust.
Classical Expressions: The Elouan Quartet with Bridget Douglas: 16 Jul 2026 | 7.30pm
Tickets from $35.00
THE ELOUAN QUARTET with BRIDGET DOUGLAS
“Mata-Au” This programme moves between the rich Romantic lyricism of Amy Beach and Arther Foote, the contemporary fluidity of Salina Fisher’s Mata-Au (inspired by the Clutha River), and the rhythmic energy of Alberto Ginastera’s folk-infused Impresiones de la Puna.
Ludwig van Beethoven’s string quartet anchors the programme, offering a timeless contrast to the surrounding works. Audiences will be immersed in a journey through soundscapes that evoke flowing rivers, twilight atmospheres, and dynamic folk rhythms. With a strong connection to water and place, this programme resonates deeply in Aotearoa, where waterways are both culturally and environmentally significant.
Amy Beach Theme and Variations for Flute and String Quartet, Op.80
Salina Fisher Mata-Au (for string trio)
Arthur Foote A Night Piece for Flute and String Quartet
Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet No.6 in B-flat major, Op.18
Alberto Ginastera Impresiones de la Puna (for flute and string quartet)
ABOUT THE GROUP
The Elouan Quartet is a newly formed string quartet comprised of NZSO players. The quartet’s first tour was in May and June of 2024, representing the NZSO across New Zealand in the orchestra’s annual Setting Up Camp tour.
Jessica Oddie Violin
Anna van der Zee Violin
Alexander McFarlane Viola
Ken Ichinose Cello
Bridget Douglas Flute
Supported by Chamber Music New Zealand
Talk and Tour with Darcy Nicholas: 26 Jul 2026 | 4.00pm
Hear insights from Darcy Nicholas about his work spanning more than six decades.
Carnivorous Plant Society: 26 Jul 2026 | 8.00pm
Tickets from $25.00
A psychedelic exotic jazz band featuring vibraphone, tuba, harmonica, pan flute and more – all brought to life against a stunning backdrop of hand-drawn animations.
Source: Whirinaki Whare Taonga
30/06/26
The Upper Hutt Connection 