This concert features Rakuto Kurano on piano and Anastasia Bell on flute, performing music by Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Hoffmeister, Herman Beeftink, Claude Bolling, and more.

Described as a musician with “flair and panache” by the Christchurch Mail, Rakuto Kurano has established himself as a versatile Japanese/New Zealand performer, composer, director, and educator. A multi-award-winning musical artist, he has completed over 200 performances around New Zealand in the last three years, ranking as one of New Zealand's most active touring artists. As a composer, he has had works performed by ensembles such as NZTrio, NZ Harp Duo, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and many of his recordings are available online.

Anastasia Bell is a 16-year-old flautist currently based in Christchurch. She has been appointed principal roles in numerous ensembles - including CSO Virtuosi and the Christchurch Youth Orchestra.

In July this year, she was granted numerous scholarships to attend the Summer Intensive Programme at the Michigan University School of Music’s Flute Institute, under the tutelage of renowned flautist Amy Porter, as well as other tutors from around America.