Instead of performing, she has taken on the task of curating the popular St Paul’s at One series of high quality lunchtime concerts, which gets under way on Tuesday.
The invitation to curate the series came from Dunedin Arts Festival director Charlie Unwin, who knew Leese had extensive contacts in the classical music community.
"I was a bit unsure how to go about it initially, but in the end have basically relied on friendships and knowledge of New Zealand musicians," Leese said.
She had always been a staunch advocate of supporting local talent, and lined up an array of high quality artists for the original Dunedin Arts Festival dates in October last year.
"A lot of the St Paul’s at One performers were supposed to be touring overseas at the moment, but instead they are looking forward to performing in Dunedin," Leese said.
"They are excited to have the opportunity to perform for audiences."
The St Paul’s at One series, which features 50 minute concerts from 1pm at St Paul’s Cathedral, will run from Tuesday to Saturday next week.
The series begins with young soprano Amelia Berry, who trained at the Manhattan School of Music and is at present based in Wellington.
On Wednesday, pianist Stephen de Pledge will perform excerpts from A New Zealand Partita, works by New Zealand composers inspired by Bach’s Partita.
The following day, players from the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra will perform for the littlest music fans in DSO, Beethoven to Baby.
Aimed at toddlers and young children, but entertaining for all, the concert will be interactive, introduce the orchestral instruments, and feature well-known music.
"This concert will be a lovely way to give small children a taste of classical music, in an environment that will be fun for them," Leese said.
On the Friday, leading New Zealand flautist Bridget Douglas will join forces with taonga puoro player Alistair Fraser in a unique concert featuring traditional European and Maori flutes.
The concert will feature five new works commissioned from New Zealand composers John Psathas, Gareth Farr, Rosie Langabeer, Briar Prastiti and Josia Carr, as well as earlier works.
On April 10, the New Zealand String Quartet will round out the St Paul’s at One series with a programme of Beethoven’s music — from brilliant classicist to daring modernist.
Tickets for the St Paul’s at One concerts can be bought online at www.dunedinartsfestival, at the Regent Theatre box office, or at the door.
