Douce Ambiance is an ensemble founded by violinist Cathy Irons that embraces musical diversity and showcases the diversity of the violin. Douce Ambiance literally means Sweet Sounds. This ensemble are poised to captivate audiences with their warm tones and musicianship, during their upcoming nine-centre tour across the South Island. Including Riverton, Wyndham and Te Anau.
“There is an extraordinary beauty playing as part of the glorious sound of a whole orchestra, but there are times when I just want to be free to be me,” says Christchurch Symphony Orchestra violinist Cathy Irons.
To find and express her own voice, Cathy Irons has formed the dynamic four-piece ensemble Douce Ambiance, a group of accomplished musicians with a diverse range of skills. Not surprisingly the quartet’s concert will showcase many facets from classical music to jazz, with a touch of Irish and tango thrown in, and where venues permit and the ceiling is high enough, dance aerials.
Irons tours New Zealand regularly with various ensembles, most recently playing nation-wide with her classical Nikau harp trio for Arts on Tour NZ in February.
“This time, I have created a concert experience to showcase the incredible versatility and vibrancy of the violin. When I learnt violin as a child, I was only exposed to it in classical concerts in the local Town Hall. My violin teacher actively discouraged me from doing anything other that what
was written on the music score. Learning about improvisation and performing with the other experienced Douce Ambiance musicians, has brought incredible joy to my playing, which I am looking forward to sharing with audiences across South Island,” says Cathy Irons.
Musical items include Gershwin’s timeless “Summertime,” Jade’s “Jealousy Tango” and Latin jazz numbers, “Corcovado” and “Besame Mucho.”
Another exquisite work which the ensemble will feature is Charlie Chaplin’s Smile arranged by Claus Ogermann. Unbeknownst to many, Chaplin was also an accomplished violinist, incidentally left-handed and composed his own music for some of his films. This bittersweet number is taken from the final scene of his film, “The Modern Times.”
Douce Ambiance spotlights the talents of its members. Bassist Dougal Canard, also an accomplished guitarist joins Cathy in a classical violin-guitar duet performance of Paganini’s “Cantabile.” And as for the dance aerials? Cathy’s talent knows no bounds, but she does require floor space and high ceilings, so this will only happen in appropriate venues.
This concert guarantees a splendid showcase of diverse musical styles, all infused with awe-inspiring virtuosity, performed by musicians with a wealth of local and international experience.
Cathy will also bringing another small violin for children to try out after the performance as she would like the concert to be family friendly and give the children a special opportunity to create their own musical magic – just like she does.
Head to https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2023/douce-ambiance-jazz-quartet/riverton for more details.