Versatile violinist Cathy Irons brings her jazz quartet Douce Ambiance (meaning ‘sweet sounds’) to Queenstown’s Thomas Brown Gallery this Sunday afternoon to wrap up a nine-centre South Island tour.
Though a Christchurch Symphony Orchestra violinist, Irons says ‘‘learning about improvisation and performing with the other experienced Douce Ambiance musicians has brought incredibly joy to my playing’’.
The other musos, who all boast international experience, are pianist Dan Robertson, Dougal Canard on double bass and Doug Brush on drums.
Canard recently moved to Queenstown and last term taught trumpet, piano and guitar as well as bass at three local schools.
Sunday’s programme includes Gershwin’s Summertime, Jade’s Jealousy Tango and Latin jazz numbers Corcovado and Besame Mucho as well as Charlie Chaplin’s Smile from his film, Modern Times.
Irons also joins Canard for a violin-guitar performance of Paganini’s Cantabile.
And, just to show Irons’ versatility knows no bounds, she’ll join her hubby Stephen for some dance aerials.
Douce Ambiance, Sunday 3pm, Thomas Brown Gallery, 568 Sperargrass Flat Rd; tickets $35 from Arrowtown’s Lakes District Museum and Eventfinda
