Artist Series - Celebrating New Zealand musicians and recording artists
Beethoven Series - Celebrating Beethoven in New Zealand
International Series
Live Series - New Zealand musicians and music live
New Zealand Music Series - A collection of New Zealand composition
Special Release

Trust Records - Complete Catalogue
(39 recordings shown)

A Voices Christmas Festive Christmas Choral Music MMT2052 Released 2004

A programme of unusual and attractive Christmas repertoire performed by the international award-winning chamber choir. The music on this recording ranges from arrangements of Traditional carols through to early twentieth century works, such as selections from Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and Pulenc's Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël. Also featured are a host of more recent carols from various parts of the world, including Sandström from Sweden, Griffiths and Chilcott from New Zealand, and Bennett and Joubert from the UK/South Africa.

Beethoven: Piano Concertos 1 & 2 Volume 1 of the Beethoven piano concerto series MMT2050 Released 2003

One of New Zealand's favourite pianists gives a compelling account of Beethoven's first two piano concertos, in a live recording with the Christchurch Symphony. The first two concertos showcases Beethoven's unprecedented dynamism like much of his early music. Beethoven first performed these concertos and used them as a vehicle for launching his career. The featured soloist in this series is celebrated Canadian-born pianist Diedre Irons.

Beethoven: Piano Concertos 3 & 4 Volume 2 of the Beethoven piano concerto series MMT2051 Released 2004

The complete cycle of Beethoven's piano concertos continues with this live recording of the third and fourth concertos. The third concerto is directly inspired by Mozart's own C minor concerto. However, the fatalism which pervades much of Mozart's work is transformed into the sternly heroic in Beethoven. Inspired more from his own music, it has been suggested that Beethoven's fourth concerto depicts Orpheus taming the Furies. The featured soloist in this series is celebrated Canadian-born pianist Diedre Irons.

Beethoven: Piano Concertos 5 & Violin Concerto in D (Transcribed) Volume 3 of the Beethoven piano concerto series MMT2056-57 Released 2004

Completing the cycle of Beethoven's piano concerto series, this third volume and 2-CD set includes his most famous, and widely considered to be his most heroic work, 'Emperor' concerto and the rarely heard piano transcription of the Violin Concerto. The featured soloist in this series is celebrated Canadian-born pianist Diedre Irons.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Discs 9-10 of the complete Beethoven cycle performed by Houstoun MMT2017-18 Released 2001

One of New Zealand's foremost pianists, Michael Houstoun, performs the complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas. This 2-disc set, discs 9 and 10 of the complete series, includes the 'Tempest' and 'La Chasse'. Houstoun is renowned for his superb performances of Beethoven and won 'Best Classical Album' award (RIANZ 1996) for the first release in this series.

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas from the Middle Period Discs 1-3 of the complete Beethoven cycle performed by Houstoun MMT2001-03 Released 1995

One of New Zealand's foremost pianists, Michael Houstoun, performs the complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas. This 3-disc set, discs 1-3 of the series, features the piano sonatas from the Middle Period, including 'Moonlight', 'Pastoral' 'Waldstein' and 'Appassionata'. Houstoun is renowned for his superb performances of Beethoven and won 'Best Classical Album' award (RIANZ 1996) for this first release of this series.

Beethoven: The Early Sonatas Discs 6-8 of the complete Beethoven cycle performed by Houstoun MMT2011-13 Released 2001

One of New Zealand's foremost pianists, Michael Houstoun, performs the complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas. This 3-disc set, discs 6-8 of the series, features the Early Period sonatas, among them the favourite 'Pathetique'. Houstoun is renowned for his superb performances of Beethoven and won 'Best Classical Album' award (RIANZ 1996) for the first release in this series.

Beethoven: The Last Five Piano Sonatas Discs 4-5 of the complete Beethoven cycle performed by Houstoun MMT2004-05 Released 1996

One of New Zealand's foremost pianists, Michael Houstoun, performs the complete cycle of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas. This 2-disc set, discs 4-5 of the series, features the last five sonatas. Houstoun is renowned for his superb performances of Beethoven and won 'Best Classical Album' award (RIANZ 1996) for the first release in this series.

Beethoven: The Last Three Piano Sonatas (DVD) Houstoun Performs Beethoven's Last Three Piano Sonatas MMT4001 Released 2009

In this Live film recording, Houstoun revisits this classic Beethoven programme with vitality and renewed depth, since his award-winning release of the complete Sonata cycle (Tui Awards, Best Classical Album 1996 & 1997). This release includes the complete Live performance of these three works and an exclusive 40-minute interview with Houstoun, who candidly discusses his interpretation and meaning of the works.

Brass Aotearoa: New Zealand Brass Band Music New music for brass band MMT2049 Released 2003

A compilation of new works from New Zealand performed by the 2003 National Youth Brass Band of New Zealand, especially commissioned for their 'ANZAC' Tour to the UK. The distinctive sound of the brass band, and the enthusiasm of its members, has allowed composers to develop a unique voice, inseparable from the musical community to which it belongs.

Christmas Baroque Pastoral Christmas music from the Baroque era MMT2043 Released 2002

This recording brings together a selection of familiar and not-so-familiar works by Bach/Kuhnau, Handel, Michael Haydn, Torelli, Manfredini, Lalande, Ferrandini, Gossec and Valentini, performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. The pastoral tradition in music has had a long and distinguished history dating back to ancient times. 'During the late 12th century, greater liturgical freedom permitted the singing of popular noëls during midnight mass. In the 17th and 18th century, this freedom also allowed composers to use popular tunes, and to compose new music with pastoral elements for these occasions. Italian composers began to create specific musical styles for use during Christmas celebrations, notably Christmas Eve, which were eventually taken up by composers throughout Europe.' - Marc Taddei

Farquhar: Three Symphonies 2nd Generation New Zealand Symphonies MMT2060 Released 2004

Three substantive symphonic works spanning the career of New Zealander David Farquhar. These highly original works reveal an assured expressive quality in Farquhar's writing, ranging from serious and dense clustering dissonances to more whimsical and open passages of lyrical expression. Personal and distinctive music.

Farr: Chamber Music New instrumental works MMT2020 Released 2000

This album features a number of debut recordings of chamber music works by celebrated New Zealander, Gareth Farr. This recording showcases Farr's characteristically energetic writing with works Shadow of the Hawk, Cadenza, and the Balinese gamelan-influenced Sepuluh Jari. While in contrast, the evocative and haunting work for solo harp From Forgotten Forests reveals Farr's more lyrical and intimate writing. Perhaps Farr's most widely performed work Kembang Suling also features on this recording and is now considered to be standard repertoire among flute and marimba players worldwide.

Farr: Owhiro New music for string quartet MMT2019 Released 2000

This album features exclusive recordings of three sparkling and energetic works for string quartet by Gareth Farr, performed by the New Zealand String Quartet. Owhiro (1993), Farr's first string quartet, was written while he was resident in Owhiro Bay in Wellington and composer-in-residence with Chamber Music New Zealand. Mondo Rondo is a highly animated work with clear references to his influence of percussion with hocketting effects and exotic tunes. Frenzy is a high-energy piece with a strong emphasis on rhythm, jaunty phrasing and gritty harmonies.

Farr: Ruaumoko New symphonic music by Farr MMT2042 Released 2006

A collection of works for symphony orchestra by celebrated New Zealander, Gareth Farr. Farr's music is by turns dynamic, lyrical, percussive and rhythmic, but above all, it is some of the most exciting and approachable contemporary music you're likely to hear. This recording features the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Young and soloist Conal Coad (bass) performing exclusive releases of Farr's Ruaumoko, Orakau, Rangitoto and thoroughly exciting Beowulf.

Farr: Sea Gongs Classic symphonic works by Farr MMT2021 Released 1997

Fully re-packaged, Gareth Farr: Sea Gongs combines two classic Farr titles into this two-disc deluxe edition. CD 1, Farr: Orchestral Music (MMT2021) contains all-exclusive Farr recordings, including title work From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs, commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for its 50th Anniversary. CD 2, Farr's orchestral single Te Papa (MMT2026) contains title work Te Papa, composed to celebrate the opening of the Museum of New Zealand. Te Papa combines symphony orchestra, operatic soprano and tenor and Maori karanga into a powerful and moving work which 'transcends idiom and individual taste.'

Farr: Tangaroa New Marimba Music, Solo and with Flute & Piano MMT2058 Released 2008

Throughout Polynesia, Tangaroa is the god of the sea. While Gareth Farr is probably best-known to audiences as the composer of mighty orchestral scores, one of his greatest strengths as a composer lies in the field of chamber music, particularly works for percussion. Following on from Farr's previous five successful releases, Tangaroa features eight of his works for marimba performed by Jeremy Fitzsimons, founding member and director of Strike from 1993-2003 and performer on the RIANZ 'Best Classical Album' of 2004.

Farr: Warriors From Pluto Works for chamber orchestra by Farr MMT2036 Released 2001

By turns dynamic and lyrical, percussive and rhythmic, this recording features five works for chamber orchestra performed by the NZSO Chamber Orchestra with percussion ensemble STRIKE. The powerful and beautiful voice of soprano Deborah Wai Kapohe also features on this album. Exclusive recordings of Farr's Naga Baba, Te Parenga, Warriors from Pluto, Nga Tai Hurihuri, and Time and Tide.

Fête: French Organ Music Collection of organ music recorded in Wellington Cathedral MMT2032 Released 2002

This recording features a collection of music from a fascinating and intense period of creativity in French organ music, spanning nearly 150 years, performed by celebrated concert organist, Andrew Cantrill. This collection of works traces the history and evolution of French organ music throughout this period, bringing to light the breadth of timbre, intensity and range of this magnificent instrument.

French Violin Sonatas Natalia Lomeiko and Olga Sitkovetsky perform French music TRI3003 Released 2004

This recording includes an attractive programme of French works from the late 19th and early 20th century, including works by: Debussy, Ravel and Ysaÿe. The Sonata in G minor was Debussy's last completed work. It progresses in a succession of flurries and agitations, like leaves in an autumn wind. Complementing Debussy is Ravel's Sonata in G major, which is noted as innovative for embarking on fusing jazz styles within a 'classical' setting. All performed by rising violin star Natalia Lomeiko and International award-winning pianist Olga Sitkovetsky.

Gaude/Rejoice: Joyful Choral Music Choral music compilation MMT2048 Released 2004

This recording was released to coincide with the New Zealand Youth Choir's 25th Anniversary celebrations. The works by Elgar and Rautavaara are complemented by pieces in a programme linked loosely by the theme of 'rejoicing'. The choir has achieved considerable success since its formation in 1979 with performances around New Zealand and a number of international tours, including placing at worldwide competitions and choral symposiums.

Hindson: Modern Objects Australian rising stars: Naoko Miyamoto & Matthew Hindson TRI3004 Released 2008

Trust Records presents the first full-length disc devoted to the music by composer Matthew Hindson. The orchestral works of this Australian composer usually provoke wildly differing reactions – some people believe his cross-pollination of classical forms and instrumentation with elements drawn from extreme styles of contemporary popular music (techno and death metal included) is nothing short of artistic desecration, while others (a majority, it might be noted) greet his music with rapturous enthusiasm. Certainly, it would be hard to accuse him of writing in an inaccessible style!

Island Song: Beautiful New Zealand Music New Zealand music compilation MMT2044 Released 2010

A collection of beautiful New Zealand classical music from the Trust Records catalogue. This album features classical pieces written by five celebrated New Zealanders: Gareth Farr, John Psathas, Douglas Lilburn, David Farquhar and John Ritchie. Performers include the NZSO, NZSO Chamber Orchestra, and NZTrio; also featured are conductors Donald Armstrong, Marc Taddei and Kenneth Young.

Landscapes: New Zealand Orchestral Music Favourite symphonic works from New Zealand MMT2037 Released 2001

This recording brings together a collection of works marked by a diversity of expression and mood, but united in that they all reflect to a greater or lesser degree the artists' consciousness of the New Zealand landscape. Together, the works make up a 'snapshot' of New Zealand composition at the end of the twentieth century.

Lilburn: Piano Music Vol 1 The complete piano music of Douglas Lilburn MMT2053 Released 2004

The first of a projected four-CD collection, this album brings to light in premiere recordings a number of works which were never publicly performed in the composer's lifetime. The performances by Dan Poynton are assured and idiomatic, presenting a unseen side of this pre-eminent New Zealand composer.

Lilburn: Piano Music Vol 2 The complete piano music of Douglas Lilburn MMT2054 Released 2004

The second in the four-volume series of Lilburn's entire output for the piano performed by Dan Poynton, this recital once again includes music from throughout the composer's career.

Lilburn: Piano Music Vol 3 The complete piano music of Douglas Lilburn MMT2067 Released 2011

The third of a projected four-CD collection, this album brings to light in premiere recordings a number of works which were never publicly performed in the composer's lifetime. The performances by Dan Poynton are assured and idiomatic, presenting a unseen side of this pre-eminent New Zealand composer.

Liszt: Songs Keith Lewis and David Harper perform Liszt TRI3002 Released 2004

Although a prolific songwriter Liszt is not commonly regarded as a lyricist in the same way as are his contemporaries Wolf or Brahms. In this recital Keith Lewis aims to offer support for the contention that Liszt's songs are deserving of a more prominent place in the vocal repertoire. 'We must understand Liszt as the arch-Romantic who, like Byron, was an amalgam of all the passions, excesses and human frailties that are intrinsic elements of the Romantic artist. It is both the greatness and the critical failure of his music that its inspiration came from the heart before the mind, often as an almost involuntary outpouring of emotion that retains the indiscipline implicit in such acts of spontaneity.' - Virgil Pomfret

Parihaka: New Zealand Music New Zealand songs, music & poetry MMT2033 Released 2000

A soundscape of music and poetry from the Wellington City Gallery's major exhibition on the history and story of Parihaka, the centre of a major campaign of passive resistance to European occupation of confiscated land in the area. Music by Tim Finn and Herbs, the Patea Maori Club, and twelve of New Zealand's finest poets reading their own work.

Piano Recital: Diedre Irons Classical and Romantic works for solo piano MMT2041 Released 2002

A studio recording of music by Mozart, Schumann, Ravel, Chopan and Gershwin, made prior to Diedre Irons' warmly received New Zealand-wide concert tour in 2002. From a review of this recital at Great Hall Arts Centre: 'This recital… was unequivocally of international standing. What makes her playing such a joy is her natural ebullience, be it Mozart's Sonata or Ravel's iridescent Sonatina… This recital goes straight into my 2002 Top Ten short list.'

Prokofiev & Beethoven: Piano Concertos Live recording of two major works MMT2035 Released 2001

This album features Michael Houstoun, one of New Zealand's leading pianists, performing live with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in two major works of the piano concerto repertoire, Prokofiev's third and Beethoven's 'Emperor' concertos. Joining Houstoun is conductor James Judd leading the performance of Prokofiev and conductor János Fürst conducting Beethoven with the country's national orchestra.

Psathas: Fragments New music for Percussion, Piano and String Quartet MMT2047 Released 2003

Like an injection of adrenalin direct to the heart of New Zealand classical music comes this new album of chamber music by John Psathas, featuring Jeremy Fitzsimons (percussion), Stephen Gosling (piano) and the New Zealand String Quartet. A work by John Psathas is an individual unique entity. His 'sound' is difficult to define – the harmony and improvisational feeling of jazz, the compelling rhythmic drive and excitement of rock music and the sustained repetitive textures of minimalism are apparent as influences, yet they combine and intermingle with something else less tangible. His is one of the most original voices in the arena of New Zealand contemporary music.

Spark: New Zealand Piano Trios New Music for Piano Trio MMT2066 Released 2005

Cutting-edge new music for piano trio performed by the brightest new stars in the firmament of New Zealand chamber music: NZTrio. This debut recording of the ensemble features a programme of works they have made their own in concerts throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Spirit of the Land: New Zealand Choral Music Music and words inspired by the New Zealand landscape MMT2065 Released 2006

This recording comprises New Zealand choral music that spans over three decades and draws upon the words of New Zealand poets and inspiration from the landscape of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The choir engages with a diversity of styles and unique colours and textures through the performance of these works. Best Classical Music Album (New Zealand Music Awards, 2006)

Strike: New Zealand Percussion Music New music for percussion ensemble MMT2030 Released 2000

Debut recording of New Zealand's most dynamic percussion ensemble: STRIKE. This album features a varied programme showcasing the breadth of the group's talents with works ranging from the excitement and energy of Gareth Farr's Volume Pig and the Cook Islands log drum piece Taku Manu E, to the intricacy and subtle textures of Ricochet and Iron Tongues. Best Classical Music Album, New Zealand Music Awards (RIANZ, 2001).

Taurangi: New Zealand Music for Flute and Piano New Music for Flute and Piano MMT2063-64 Released 2006

Taurangi is a 2 CD collection of works by New Zealand composers. Disc 1 features works for flute and piano, and Disc 2 is comprised of works for solo flute. Both feature stunning playing from two of New Zealand’s best musicians. This album showcases a unique soundscape from 13 composers, ranging from substantial 10-minute works to shorter whimsies and miniatures.

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra Opera Complete live audio recording of Romantic opera MMT2045 Released 2003

Verdi's sombre and powerful operatic masterpiece, with its themes of love, hate, treachery and reconciliation, is brought to life in this production from the 2000 New Zealand Festival, featuring the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus conducted by Marco Guidarini and directed by Stephen Lawless.

Wild Music: Orchestral Music Compilation Orchestral favourites inspired by nature MMT2059 Released 2004

A compilation of best-loved orchestral music inspired by nature. Each piece has been chosen for its programmatic connection to a specific conservation topic. It pays homage to the natural beauty of New Zealand and celebrates the ongoing work done to ensure that it exists for future generations to enjoy.

Winds That Whisper New Zealand choral music from the 20th century MMT2016 Released 1999

The National Youth Choir of New Zealand, directed by Karen Grylls, features in this recording of New Zeaeland Choral music from the 20th century. This recording showcases the rich choral music heritage of New Zealand with a wide-ranging programme, including traditional Maori wiata by Ngapo Wehi and Richard Puanaki and major works by Jenny McLeod, John Ritchie, David Hamilton and David Griffiths.