Fingers and thumbs get together

Rehearsing in Marama Hall on Thursday are (from left) viola tutor Alison Bowcott, violinist Luke Nie (13), of John McGlashan College, piano tutor John van Buskirk, pianist Wallace Pu (14), of Bayfield High School, and violinist Jacinda Kumar (14), of Columba College. Photo by Craig Baxter.

The university's fifth annual chamber music summer school has drawn 16 music pupils, from as far afield as Auckland and Invercargill.

One of the tutors, American concert pianist John van Buskirk, said the young musicians attended the school to build their practical and performance skills.

"It's amazing how much they get done in a week. When they first get here, there are fingers and thumbs all over the place.

"Then somehow, miraculously, it all comes together. I don't know how, but it does," he said.

"But they're all very cheerful about it and they take it very seriously."

University of Otago executant lecturer in violin Tessa Petersen said the pupils rehearsed in five ensembles and would give a concert today.

"We've always got very talented young musicians coming through.

"It's also the first time we've introduced the winds, which gives us so much more range." Other tutors included Heleen Du Plessis (cello), Tom McGrath (piano) and Peter Adams (clarinet).

The concert is at 3pm today in Marama Hall. Entry is by gold coin donation.

- nigel.benson@odt.co.nz