Duos for Violin and Viola
Brilliant young violinist Angel Wen Tao returns to Nelson to perform a recital of duos for violin and viola with John Thomson, with whom she studied prior to moving to the USA.
This concert will mark her first recital on the viola and the first performance of a new instrument specially made in 2025 for her by the renowned NZ luthier Noel Sweetman.
John Thomson will be performing on a matching violin also made by Noel Sweetman.
This is a rare (perhaps unique) opportunity to hear two such instruments together.
The concert today is special in that it celebrates two significant occasions.
The young violinist, Angel Wen Tao makes her third concert appearance in Nelson. In 2024, Angel performed as a soloist with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra and later in a solo recital. Both Angel and her mother fell in love with the city and its people, so it is with great pleasure she visits and performs today.
Angel began studying the violin in Auckland at a young age under the guidance of Dr. John Thomson. She has won multiple championships and first prizes at major competitions in NZ and has also received awards at international competitions in Singapore and Hong Kong. Her achievements include selection for the National String Competition Finals and First Place nationwide at the NZCT Competition.
In September 2025, she was accepted for study at St. Paul’s School in the United States, where she continues her academic studies and pursues advanced violin training with Jin-Kyung Joen in Boston.
This concert celebrates Angel’s first concert in NZ since her move to the USA, and her first solo concert as a viola player. She has recently added viola playing to her list of accomplishments.
The other significant event celebrated today is the very first performance of a viola made in 2025 by the renowned NZ luthier, Noel Sweetman. Noel had taken an interest in Angel’s development and made a violin in 2023 for her. When he heard she was looking for a viola, he made the instrument making its debut today specifically with Angel in mind as its intended player.
When cared for, fine instruments continue to develop and create music for centuries. (Some of the oldest violins and violas still in use today date back almost 500 years.) With that in mind, perhaps we can imagine something of the future – both for this young player as she develops into an artist sharing her talents with audiences in many countries and this instrument – making its first appearance today and of the many performances it will deliver throughout the centuries to come.
John Thomson is well known to Nelson audiences through his association with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra. He is delighted to again work with Angel – on this occasion as colleague rather than mentor. He performs on a matching violin by Noel Sweetman.
