Waikato University cello octet group Cellophonics plays in Whanganui

Waikato University cello octet Cellophonics is coming to Whanganui. Photo / Supplied

The annual visit of Waikato University group Cellophonics is an event not to be missed.

This year the eight-strong group plays in Whanganui's Prince Edward Auditorium at 7.30pm on August 30. The auditorium is in the grounds of Wanganui Collegiate School, and tickets will be sold at the door.

Its leader James Tennant is described on the university website as a concert cellist, teacher and art instigator. From Michigan in the United States, he has recorded with pop and rock groups in Detroit.

He later lived in South America, and came to New Zealand in 1982. Since then he has performed widely and instigated several cello groups, including the Auckland Cello Ensemble and Belli Celli.

He does an annual tour with seven talented cello students from Waikato University's Conservatorium of Music. The group may be the only permanent cello ensemble in New Zealand.

This year in Whanganui it will play music by Boccherini, Pachelbel, Bizet and Los Lobos.

Adult tickets cost $25, or $20 for members of Chamber Music Wanganui. Student tickets cost $5.