The Night Watch presents Verdant Earth—a programme rooted in the natural world. Celebrate nature's beauty in a vibrant programme reflecting the richness and diversity of the natural world. We are delighted to welcome guest artists, countertenor Austin Haynes and Wellington-based harpsichordist Bethany Angus, joining core ensemble members Kamala Bain (recorders), Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba) and George Wills (theorbo). Featuring exquisite works by Purcell, Forqueray, and Couperin, this concert invites you into a soundscape of elegance, vitality, and renewal.
Turbulent, passionate, and sublime—this programme draws on the Baroque tradition of depicting the power of the ocean and the mystery of life beneath the sea. Soprano Carleen Ebbs joins The Night Watch to bring this maritime music to life. Featuring works by Handel, Forqueray, and Purcell, this tempestuous programme surges with energy and intensity. The Night Watch's core ensemble—George Wills (theorbo), Kamala Bain (recorders), and Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba)—is joined by an outstanding array of guest instrumentalists: Miranda Hutton (baroque violin) from Auckland, alongside Wellington-based musicians Anne Loeser (baroque violin), Malcolm Struthers (baroque bass), Bethany Angus (harpsichord), and Ben Whitton (percussion). Together, they bring the spirit of the ocean vividly to life.
Embark on an evocative journey through the rich musical traditions of the Middle East and Mediterranean. This programme features acclaimed oud player Philip Griffin and internationally renowned percussionist Tunji Beier (Australia). We are also delighted to welcome Auckland-based kamancheh player Rassoul Abassi, joining Kamala Bain (recorders) and Imogen Granwal (viola da gamba) in this exciting musical collaboration. Travel through a diverse and captivating sound world, where traditions intertwine and new connections emerge. Desert Wind weaves together cultures, histories, and sounds into a mesmerising musical tapestry—revealing music as a powerful bridge between worlds.
Who We Are
The Night Watch creates intimate, transformative performance experiences. Our work is driven by a desire to reconnect audiences with the emotional depth and expressive power of music from times gone by.
Each concert is an immersive, meticulously curated encounter. Drawing on outstanding talent from across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, we bring together exceptional early music specialists to reveal the richness and diversity of this repertoire.
Get in touch →Support Us
Our model prioritises artistic integrity and audience experience over scale. We choose intimate venues, keep ticket prices accessible, and engage specialist musicians from across Aotearoa and Australia. As a result, our production costs will always exceed box office revenue and private support is essential to sustaining this work.
In just six years, we have presented 14 thematically curated concerts and built a deeply committed Wellington audience. We now stand at a pivotal moment: ready to embed our annual seasons sustainably and expand our reach beyond the capital. To do so, we are seeking visionary supporters who believe in artistic excellence and the cultural future of Aotearoa.
Featuring exquisite works by Purcell, Forqueray, and Couperin, this concert invites you into a soundscape of elegance, vitality, and renewal.
Turbulent, passionate, and sublime—this programme draws on the Baroque tradition of depicting the power of the ocean and the mystery of life beneath the sea.
Embark on an evocative journey through the rich musical traditions of the Middle East and Mediterranean, weaving together cultures, histories, and sounds into a mesmerising musical tapestry.
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