Christchurch Symphony Orchestra violinist, Cathy Irons extends her normal classical mould as she breaks into the realm of jazz in her forthcoming concert with the Classical Jazz Quartet.

Whilst performing regular chamber concerts from string trios to duo recitals, she has quietly been taking jazz lessons on the side. Her first concert blending the two styles was packed to capacity and she subsequently toured southern South Island in December 2011 with a fabulous response from audiences.

She brings her lively upbeat programme to the Dunedin's Cathedral in the Octagon on the 17 March at 6pm with classical and jazz pianist Barry Brinson, double bassist Michael Bell and drummer, Tim Sellars. The show called "Jazz in the Cathedral" is part of the Dunedin Fringe Festival.

“I try to break the conventional model for concerts; chatting to audiences, blurring the edges between show and performance, classical and jazz because I feel music is about sharing a moment in time together and enjoying every minute,” says Cathy. “Every performance I do amazes me - how the audience picks up on the energy and tremendous fun we have on stage.”

You can expect to hear virtuoso works displaying her high technical skills by Gershwin and Bolling, crossover compositions by NZ composers and light popular easy listening jazz. Dunedin Sinfonia flautist, Kisten Bevin will join the group for Philip Norman's Jazz Bites.

To add to the musical weekend, Cathy and Barry will also present a lunchtime noon concert at St Pauls of Music for Violin and Organ with works by Bach, Buxtehude, Albinoni and Vitali. Entry is by donation.

On Sunday the 18th March the Quartet will combine with the Cathedral Choir in its first ever Choral Eucharist Jazz Mass, an original composition by Barry Brinson.

Barry is an established classical and jazz pianist, composer, arranger, harpsichord player, organist, singer and musical director.

Sponsors: Creative Communities Dunedin and Dunedin City Council