Klara Kollektiv
Biography Klara Kollektiv
The Klara Kollektiv
is a Swedish-based chamber ensemble founded by New Zealand musicians Manu Berkeljon (violin) and Anna McGregor (clarinet). The ensemble's first constellation, the Dalecarlia Clarinet Quintet, came together in 2014 when the group performed a concert tour with Chamber Music New Zealand and recorded the album 'Fjärran - in the distance'. In 2018 Manu and Anna invited Finnish pianist Taru Kurki to join them and returned to New Zealand as a trio.
The ensemble intentionally programmes a varied repertoire of old and new, with an emphasis on music by New Zealand composers. Their most recent collaboration has been the performance and recording of three new pieces written for them by composer Anthony Ritchie.
Anna McGregor
New Zealand clarinettist Anna moved to Sweden in 2010 to study for her Master’s Degree at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. She has performed with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic and the Swedish Radio Orchestra, and currently holds the position of associate principal clarinet at Wermland Opera in Karlstad. Anna maintains her ‘Kiwi-connection’ by actively performing and recording the work of New Zealand composers.
Manu Berkeljon
Born and raised on the West Coast of New Zealand, Manu orchestral career includes contracts with the NZSO, Sydney Symphony, Swedish Chamber Orchestra, and since 2011 has occupied an associate principle chair with DalaSinfoniettan. A devoted chamber musician, she performs with numerous chamber ensembles. As a soloist Manu has performed with the NZSO, Cape Town Philharmonic, and orchestras in Australia and Sweden.
Taru Kurki
Born in Finland, Taru is a passionate soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. She has a Bachelor of Music from Helsinki, and a Master of Music from the Royal College of Music/Edsberg in Stockholm. In addition to travelling to New Zealand with the Klara Kollektiv, she has performed extensively throughout Northern Europe and the Baltic countries. Since August 2012 she has held the position of Head of Piano at the Falun Music Conservatory in Sweden.
