Long-established Amici Ensemble performs each year with varying combinations of instruments. In 2026 this is a quintet with the saxophone adding richness to a string quartet. The performers are Donald Armstrong – violin, Anna van der Zee – violin, Alexander McFarlane – viola, Andrew Joyce – cello, and Simon Brew – saxophone. The string players are members of the NZSO, joined by Simon Brew who is much in demand as a saxophonist.
Since Adolf Sax invented the saxophone in the 1840s, composers have been enchanted with its sonorities, combining the saxophone with other instruments in many idioms. Composers such as Debussy and Ravel incorporated its beautiful sweetness in their music, influencing more recent composers such as Ellen Zwilich and Russell Peterson.
This unusual lineup of saxophone and string quartet, while embracing their classical origins, plunge headlong into the evocative sounds, catchy rhythms and soaring melodies that this combination lends itself to.
How to buy tickets:
Single tickets are $40, or $10 for those under 26. A school child attending with an adult who has purchased a full-price ticket is free.
You can buy single tickets by:
• Directly booking with us by Internet banking or direct deposit to Wellington Chamber Music Trust – account: 38-9015-0271891-00 (please include your name in the details). Please also send an email to sundayconcertsnz@gmail.com with the names for the tickets and so we can email tickets to you.
• Booking online at: Eventfinda Bookings (transaction fees apply)
• Booking over the counter at ‘Visitor i-Sites’ in Wellington, Lower Hutt, Carterton, Masterton and Martinborough
• Phoning Eventfinda: 0800BUYTIX or 0800 289 849 Note: Eventfinda will not accept postal bookings or payment by cheque. Tickets for all online and phone bookings will be emailed to you.
• At the venue: from 2:30pm on the day of the concert (cash only). Sunday 12 April3:00 pm, St Andrew's on The TerrraceRussell Peterson, Quintet for Alto Saxophone and Strings
Max Richter, On the Nature of Daylight (string quartet)
Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, Quintet for Alto Saxophone and Strings
Wolfgang A Mozart, String Quartet K590
Astor Piazzolla, The Four Seasons: Winter and Spring | 
