the willing air

Release date: March 11

An album of contemporary small ensemble chamber music performed by NZTrio, the willing air is a very welcome addition to the series of albums Eve de Castro-Robinson has released on Rattle over many years, and also to the ever-growing catalogue of excellent recordings the label has released featuring NZTrio, one of New Zealand's most significant, highly respected, and rightly revered chamber music ensembles.

"I am very grateful to all involved in the making of this album, especially the stellar NZTrio, whose superb musicianship and willingness to embrace the work of Aotearoa composers have long impressed me. I was particularly lucky to have longtime friend and colleague Ashley Brown in his final recording with the trio.

It’s always satisfying to work with the terrific Rattle team, Steve Garden, Ken Young, and John Kim. Like the performers, they all have an understanding of me and my music, and what more can a composer hope for?!

There’s a wistfulness to this album for me, with its acknowledgements of those who have gone on ahead: my late mother Brya, who imbued in me a love of poetry, painting, music, and a search for the transcendent; and beloved composer friends Jenny McLeod, Martin Lodge, and Gerard Crotty. I’ve followed the ethereal and richly blue paintings of Nigerian-born Aucklander Ruth Ige for many years and am delighted she has given me her blessing to use her art. And artist Sarah Guppy, my closest friend for over 60 years, captured me in front of a captivating Ige in Wellington, in a moment of serendipity."

Eve de Castro-Robinson, February, 2026