Sunday TMG Afternoon Concert Features Nichola Genn Harris and Yi Ting Heng

Nichola Genn Harris is a relatively new import to the Thames area, where she is HOD Music at Thames High School. Nichi and Ting met when Nichi began conducting rehearsals of the local 2022 performance of Handel’s Messiah, in which Ting made her debut as an accompanist. Ting has continued to support music locally, with her willingness to ‘give it a go’ seeing her step into the role of concert pianist for both the Saint George’s Community Choir and the Te Aroha Community Choir. In 2024 Ting and Nichi both performed with these choirs for their ANZAC concert – Ting on the piano and Nichi on the flute. Ting and Nichi both started learning music – on the piano – at an early age. Nichi grew up in Nelson in a musical family at a time when music in the area was very strong, and performing on her flute as a soloist, in chamber music groups, community orchestras, music theatre, and recording as a Young Artist with Radio New Zealand. She holds a Masters in flute performance, is a Fellow of both Trinity College and Royal School of Music, and is a PhD graduate from University of Otago, where she used to teach. Ting grew up in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, where she enjoyed playing the piano the most when no one was listening. It was not until she arrived in New Zealand in 2010 that she played to elderly neighbours and at a rest home, and joined a local music muster, that she began to enjoy sharing music with others. Ting completed her ABRSM Grade 8 in 2014 under the tutelage of her friend and teacher, Frances Hinlopen. She taught piano locally and now enjoys instilling a love of music in her son and daughter. DETAILS: Thames Music Group’s Sunday Concert series presents Nichola Genn Harris and Yi Ting Heng, Sunday 8 June 2025 at 2.00 pm, St George’s Church, Mackay Street, Thames. Tickets: $20/Adult, $15/TMG Member, Free entry/Under 18 yrs old. Contact: thamesmusicgroup@yahoo.co.nz