Performing works by G.Berlioz, G.Donizetti,
J.B.Viotti, L.Spohr, K.Saint-Saens & E.Biddington
THE PERFORMERS
It
seems that Iryna and Oleg have been destined to be a partnership from
the time Iryna became a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of the
Ukraine in 1978, joining Oleg who had already had seven years experience
there as a player. Commencing 1979 they travelled extensively with the
Orchestra throughout Europe, Hong Kong and Australia. In 1984 they both
successfully auditioned with the Orchestra; Oleg becoming Concertmaster
and Iryna Principal Second Violin. They held the same positions in the
chamber ensemble “Kamerata Kiev” and during this period also performed
as members and soloists in another chamber orchestra “Kiev Soloists”
under the direction of Professor Bogodar Kotorovych. As members of the
Kiev Conservatory String Quartet they secured in 1983 2nd
prize in the National Chamber Music Competition. They married in 1987.
In 1995, while the Orchestra was touring Australia, Iryna accepted an
invitation from the then management to take the position of Principal
Second Violin with Christchurch Symphony. One year later Oleg was to
join as Assistant Concertmaster. They continue in these positions today
and in addition to orchestral work they perform as soloists, and Oleg as
Musical Director, of the chamber group “L’Estro Armonico Strings” formed
in 2000.
Born in Whangarei, Helen Webby discovered the harp at the age of 12
through composer/harpist Dorothea Franchi. She graduated from University
of Auckland with a Bachelor of Music in harp, then continued her studies
in Holland and Germany with Edward Witsenburg and Maria Graf. She won
numerous scholarships from the Dutch Government, German Academic
Exchange Service (DAAD) and Creative New Zealand. In 1996 she completed
a Diploma in harp from the Hochschule for Music in Hamburg.
Helen is currently Principal Harp with the Christchurch Symphony, and
also performs with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and other regional
orchestra. In 2006 Helen performed in San Francisco at the American Harp
Society Convention, and recently performed concerts for the Brunei Music
Society. Last year she toured NZ with three different ensembles for
Chamber Music NZ and Arts on Tour. In 2007 Helen released the CD
Reverie, music for flute and harp in collaboration with Flautist Anthony
Ferner. Helen has also a great interest in the celtic harp, winning a
prize at the International Carolan Harp Competition (Ireland),
and recording with Scottish guitarist Davy Stuart The Peacock's Dance
CD. She teaches beginner celtic harp classes for adults through the
University of Canterbury's Continuing Education Programme.
It
seems that Iryna and Oleg have been destined to be a partnership from
the time Iryna became a member of the National Symphony Orchestra of the
Ukraine in 1978, joining Oleg who had already had seven years experience
there as a player. Commencing 1979 they travelled extensively with the
Orchestra throughout Europe, Hong Kong and Australia. In 1984 they both
successfully auditioned with the Orchestra; Oleg becoming Concertmaster
and Iryna Principal Second Violin. They held the same positions in the
chamber ensemble “Kamerata Kiev” and during this period also performed
as members and soloists in another chamber orchestra “Kiev Soloists”
under the direction of Professor Bogodar Kotorovych. As members of the
Kiev Conservatory String Quartet they secured in 1983 2nd
prize in the National Chamber Music Competition. They married in 1987.
In 1995, while the Orchestra was touring Australia, Iryna accepted an
invitation from the then management to take the position of Principal
Second Violin with Christchurch Symphony. One year later Oleg was to
join as Assistant Concertmaster. They continue in these positions today
and in addition to orchestral work they perform as soloists, and Oleg as
Musical Director, of the chamber group “L’Estro Armonico Strings” formed
in 2000.
