"French Connections" with TrioNique

exploring historical and contemporary relationships between people, places and passions through music for flute, saxophone and piano

Eclectic, engaging and entertaining, TrioNique is Aotearoa's unique Trio - three women, three nationalities, three saxophones, two flutes and one amazing pianist. Originally founded as a post-graduate chamber music group at Auckland University in 2017, the unusual Trio has gained a reputation for its wide-ranging and re-imagined repertoire, all delivered with fun and flair.

Saxophonist Tomomi Johnston (Japan) performs with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra and several other Auckland-based ensembles, in addition to mentoring young musicians through music schools and the APO Connecting programmes. Tomomi is also NZ Saxophone Society President 2021.

Flautist Clare Ellis (NZ) is a versatile chamber musician, flautist and Orff Schulwerk elemental music teacher. Clare manages TrioNique and her boutique “FluteFarm” concert venue, and is a past admin/ assistant teacher for the Auckland Flute Festival with Uwe Grodd.

Pianist Gabriela Glapska recently completed her Doctorate at Victoria University focused on the creative output of Polish-Jewish composer and pianist André Tchaikowsky. Gabriela is also pianist for Wellington-based Ghost Trio, rehearsal pianist for the Royal NZ Ballet, and enjoys a formidable reputation as a contemporary music specialist.