Expat Kiwi, Jan Preston is recognised as one of Australia’s leading female blues/jazz artists. Jan Preston’s unique ability lies not only in her exceptional talent as a piano player, a singer and songwriter, but also as an entertainer, and her mastery of boogie-woogie piano leaves audiences in raptures.

"Jan Preston plays blues and piano like a dream…. she had us clapping, tapping and nodding along as she works wonders on the ivories."
Scotsman Edinburgh

The Festival welcomes violinist Tessa Petersen back to her hometown. American pianist John Van Buskirk joins Tessa, in her first recital after over twelve years performing and teaching internationally. La Belle Alliance presents a varied and accessible repertoire of 20th century music. Their colourful programme includes Schnittke’s Suite in Olden Style, the Sonata of Debussy, Luminaria by Kenji Bunch and Tango by American composer Allen Shawn.

After a five-year absence, Michael Houstoun is back. Performing in advance of his evening concert on Thursday 12 October, this lunchtime piano recital will be a marvellous occasion to hear one of New Zealand’s leading pianists performing Debussy's beautiful Preludes Book I.

"Michael Houstoun’s return...
since his enforced prolonged absence was greeted deservedly by a full house and rapturous applause...one of our greatest pianists has been able to return with greater mastery."

For the first time in the Festival’s lunchtime series, we are pleased to include an instrument seldom heard in recital – the cello. Recently arrived in Dunedin Gregory Hamilton comes from the USA with a background of international achievements in the concert and academic arena to take up the position of Executant Senior Lecturer at the Otago University Music Department. Accompanied on the piano by Terence Dennis, Hamilton’s concert will include Beethoven’s Cello Sonata in F major Op 5 No. 1

Scottish folk singer Emily Smith will present an enchanting concert on the final day of the St Paul’s at One Series. Many of the songs that Emily Smith sings are traditional but it is her self-penned songs that are making her “one of Scottish folk music’s brightest exports” The Herald, Scotland. Her voice blends delicacy with surprising power and is enriched by the subtle and imaginative backing of her band.