Upcoming Shows
Fresh off an ambitious self-booked three-month tour of Europe, the Sonia & Nigel duo will be kicking off their spring New Zealand tour on Saturday September 26th with an intimate folky performance at Cafe Yaza in Nelson. We look forward to seeing you there!
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, CAFE YAZA, 7.30PM start, $20 on the door (cash preferred)
Sonia and Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
"A glorious mélange of traditional chanson (read, folk), some more folk pop and cabaret jazz. The sweet acoustic majesty of Nigel's 7-string Kauri guitar. Sonia's beautifully French persona and perfect tones. We are thus blessed." (Roger Bowie, www.muzic.nz)
Please follow us for updates & help us spread the word...
Merci beaucoup!
xoxo Sonia & Nigel
www.sonianigelmusic.com
www.facebook.com/sonianigelmusic
www.instagram.com/sonianigelmusic
www.bandsintown.com/sonianigel
SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER, CAFE YAZA, 7.30PM start, $20 on the door (cash preferred)
Sonia and Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
"A glorious mélange of traditional chanson (read, folk), some more folk pop and cabaret jazz. The sweet acoustic majesty of Nigel's 7-string Kauri guitar. Sonia's beautifully French persona and perfect tones. We are thus blessed." (Roger Bowie, www.muzic.nz)
Please follow us for updates & help us spread the word...
Merci beaucoup!
xoxo Sonia & Nigel
www.sonianigelmusic.com
www.facebook.com/sonianigelmusic
www.instagram.com/sonianigelmusic
www.bandsintown.com/sonianigel
New Zealand’s own French-American-Kiwi duo Sonia & Nigel return to the fabulous Mussel Inn for an entertaining evening of songs and stories from their recent three-month musical adventures around France and Europe!
Auckland-based Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo featuring French-American, Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele, and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar, ukulele and mandolin. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, they have become a well-loved duo on the New Zealand music scene.
Their repertoire weaves together French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and musical inspirations gathered from travels around the world.
They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes, alongside folk legend Chris Priestley, and the eight-guitar ensemble Gitbox Rebellion, among other musical adventures.
This worldly, heart-centred, humour-filled soirée promises songs, stories, a few laughs, and perhaps a little perspective from the road — a chance to lift the spirit in these complicated times ❤️🎶
Sunday September 27th - 8pm start
$15 on the door
at The Mussel Inn,
1259 State Highway 60,
Onekaka 7182, Golden Bay
Auckland-based Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo featuring French-American, Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele, and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar, ukulele and mandolin. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, they have become a well-loved duo on the New Zealand music scene.
Their repertoire weaves together French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and musical inspirations gathered from travels around the world.
They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes, alongside folk legend Chris Priestley, and the eight-guitar ensemble Gitbox Rebellion, among other musical adventures.
This worldly, heart-centred, humour-filled soirée promises songs, stories, a few laughs, and perhaps a little perspective from the road — a chance to lift the spirit in these complicated times ❤️🎶
Sunday September 27th - 8pm start
$15 on the door
at The Mussel Inn,
1259 State Highway 60,
Onekaka 7182, Golden Bay
Sonia & Nigel play new venue Marty's at Monteith's in HANMER SPRINGS!
The Sonia & Nigel duo is delighted to be discovering (and sharing) a brand-new small NZ venue in a very cool NZ town: Marty's Entertainment at Monteith's, in Hanmer Springs. We will be playing here on our way from The Mussel Inn to the Te Anau Ukulele Festival - TUF 🎶
Marty’s at Monteith’s, 47 Amuri Avenue, HANMER SPRINGS
Monday September 28th
Doors 7pm - Show 7.30PM
TICKETS $25
Advance bookings at Marty’s Entertainment:
✉️ martysentertainmenthanmer@gmail.com. 📞 027 228 6566
Limited door sales available on the night.
We will of course be paying a visit the next morning to the Hanmer Springs - Thermal Pools & Spa - admittedly looking forward to that too! 💦 Last time we were there some years ago, Sonia happened a 4-piece all-female barbershop quartet singing harmonies in one of the pools and invited them, after a spontaneous singalong on the spot, to be our opening act a couple days later at the Christchurch Folk Music Club! A lovely memory...
Auckland-based Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo featuring French-American, Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele, and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar, ukulele and mandolin. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, they have become a well-loved duo on the New Zealand music scene.
Their repertoire weaves together French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and musical inspirations gathered from travels around the world.
They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes, alongside folk legend Chris Priestley, and the eight-guitar ensemble Gitbox Rebellion, among other musical adventures.
This worldly, heart-centred, humour-filled soirée promises songs, stories, a few laughs, and perhaps a little perspective from the road — a chance to lift the spirit in these complicated times ❤️🎶
Please let your friends & family in or near Hanmer know we'll be coming through.
Merci beaucoup!
Marty’s at Monteith’s, 47 Amuri Avenue, HANMER SPRINGS
Monday September 28th
Doors 7pm - Show 7.30PM
TICKETS $25
Advance bookings at Marty’s Entertainment:
✉️ martysentertainmenthanmer@gmail.com. 📞 027 228 6566
Limited door sales available on the night.
We will of course be paying a visit the next morning to the Hanmer Springs - Thermal Pools & Spa - admittedly looking forward to that too! 💦 Last time we were there some years ago, Sonia happened a 4-piece all-female barbershop quartet singing harmonies in one of the pools and invited them, after a spontaneous singalong on the spot, to be our opening act a couple days later at the Christchurch Folk Music Club! A lovely memory...
Auckland-based Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo featuring French-American, Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele, and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar, ukulele and mandolin. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, they have become a well-loved duo on the New Zealand music scene.
Their repertoire weaves together French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and musical inspirations gathered from travels around the world.
They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes, alongside folk legend Chris Priestley, and the eight-guitar ensemble Gitbox Rebellion, among other musical adventures.
This worldly, heart-centred, humour-filled soirée promises songs, stories, a few laughs, and perhaps a little perspective from the road — a chance to lift the spirit in these complicated times ❤️🎶
Please let your friends & family in or near Hanmer know we'll be coming through.
Merci beaucoup!
Fresh off their successful European tour, the Sonia & Nigel duo will be in Dunedin for one night only en route to the Te Anau Ukulele Festival as part of their national tour.
Exceptionally, Nigel Gavin will be playing this concert solo to give Sonia some vocal rest before a long string of concerts at the festival and beyond.
This concert will be hosted by a friend of the duo's in the North East Valley neighbourhood. Please send a message through this website if you wish to attend. Tickets will be available on the door, $25 cash.
Nigel Gavin has been a distinctive and influential presence in New Zealand’s eclectic
music scene for more than three decades. Born on Long Island, New York, and based
in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1991, Nigel has played guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass,
glissentar—and, indeed, almost anything with strings—with artists and groups
ranging from the Nairobi Trio, the Fondue Set and the Jews Brothers to Lorina
Harding, Wayne Gillespie, Whirimako Black, Richard Adams, Caitlin Smith, the Blue
Bottom Stompers, Below the Bassline, Jonathan Besser’s Bravura, Snorkel and many
others. More recently, he has been performing with his partner, French-American
singer and ukulele player Sonia Wilson, as Sonia & Nigel.
An enthusiastic mentor and collaborator, Nigel has long been committed to supporting
and inspiring younger musicians. He founded and directed the pioneering guitar-
ensemble projects Gitbox and Gitbox Rebellion, ensembles that attracted
considerable attention and helped launch and develop a generation of fine guitarists.
In 1990, Nigel was invited by Robert Fripp, founder of King Crimson, to travel to
the United States and share his Gitbox techniques and repertoire with Fripp’s own
guitar ensemble, The League of Crafty Guitarists. This international collaboration
led to Nigel joining the band, touring internationally to perform concerts and
workshops, and contributing to several of the ensemble’s recordings.
While his extraordinary versatility as an accompanist has brought depth and colour to
countless musical projects, the heart of Nigel’s own work lies in his solo compositions
and recordings. Across four solo albums, he has developed a distinctive musical
language that draws on a vast range of traditions, cultures and philosophical
influences, combining them into something uniquely his own—at once cross-cultural,
exploratory and unmistakably personal.
Nigel’s signature instrument is his beloved acoustic seven-string guitar, handmade
from kauri by master New Zealand luthier Laurie Williams. He is also known for
playing the glissentar, an 11-string, fretless acoustic instrument with a deeply
resonant, oud-like character.
A virtuoso, composer, collaborator and teacher, Nigel Gavin’s work is grounded in
curiosity, generosity and a lifelong fascination with the possibilities of stringed
instruments.
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/nigel-gavin
“…a minstrel for the new millennium.”
- Guitarist Australian
“Nigel Gavin is one of New Zealand’s musical treasures. The eccentric range
of his musical projects is matched only by his astonishing virtuosity with
stringed instruments and his prodigious musical imagination. Guitarists will be
simply astonished by the technique on display here. Nigel’s finger-picking is
so fast, so smooth, and so laden with sudden virtuoso explosions that it is
damn near impossible to work out either what he’s doing, or how he’s doing
it.”
- Tauranga Weekend Sun
Exceptionally, Nigel Gavin will be playing this concert solo to give Sonia some vocal rest before a long string of concerts at the festival and beyond.
This concert will be hosted by a friend of the duo's in the North East Valley neighbourhood. Please send a message through this website if you wish to attend. Tickets will be available on the door, $25 cash.
Nigel Gavin has been a distinctive and influential presence in New Zealand’s eclectic
music scene for more than three decades. Born on Long Island, New York, and based
in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1991, Nigel has played guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass,
glissentar—and, indeed, almost anything with strings—with artists and groups
ranging from the Nairobi Trio, the Fondue Set and the Jews Brothers to Lorina
Harding, Wayne Gillespie, Whirimako Black, Richard Adams, Caitlin Smith, the Blue
Bottom Stompers, Below the Bassline, Jonathan Besser’s Bravura, Snorkel and many
others. More recently, he has been performing with his partner, French-American
singer and ukulele player Sonia Wilson, as Sonia & Nigel.
An enthusiastic mentor and collaborator, Nigel has long been committed to supporting
and inspiring younger musicians. He founded and directed the pioneering guitar-
ensemble projects Gitbox and Gitbox Rebellion, ensembles that attracted
considerable attention and helped launch and develop a generation of fine guitarists.
In 1990, Nigel was invited by Robert Fripp, founder of King Crimson, to travel to
the United States and share his Gitbox techniques and repertoire with Fripp’s own
guitar ensemble, The League of Crafty Guitarists. This international collaboration
led to Nigel joining the band, touring internationally to perform concerts and
workshops, and contributing to several of the ensemble’s recordings.
While his extraordinary versatility as an accompanist has brought depth and colour to
countless musical projects, the heart of Nigel’s own work lies in his solo compositions
and recordings. Across four solo albums, he has developed a distinctive musical
language that draws on a vast range of traditions, cultures and philosophical
influences, combining them into something uniquely his own—at once cross-cultural,
exploratory and unmistakably personal.
Nigel’s signature instrument is his beloved acoustic seven-string guitar, handmade
from kauri by master New Zealand luthier Laurie Williams. He is also known for
playing the glissentar, an 11-string, fretless acoustic instrument with a deeply
resonant, oud-like character.
A virtuoso, composer, collaborator and teacher, Nigel Gavin’s work is grounded in
curiosity, generosity and a lifelong fascination with the possibilities of stringed
instruments.
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/nigel-gavin
“…a minstrel for the new millennium.”
- Guitarist Australian
“Nigel Gavin is one of New Zealand’s musical treasures. The eccentric range
of his musical projects is matched only by his astonishing virtuosity with
stringed instruments and his prodigious musical imagination. Guitarists will be
simply astonished by the technique on display here. Nigel’s finger-picking is
so fast, so smooth, and so laden with sudden virtuoso explosions that it is
damn near impossible to work out either what he’s doing, or how he’s doing
it.”
- Tauranga Weekend Sun
JOIN TUF26 in beautiful Te Anau NZ - a vibrant 4-day ukulele Festival, nestled in the mountains. Filled with music, laughter, connection, education, creation, participation and unforgettable uke memories! NO REGISTRATIONS, simply CHOOSE events of interest, BUY your tickets, CREATE your TUF26 Festival Experience! Just Uke it!!
https://www.teanauukulelefestival.co.nz/
Sonia Wilson and Nigel Gavin are the captivating force behind Sonia & Nigel — a multicultural acoustic duo blending French, Kiwi and American influences into a rich and uplifting musical experience. Featuring Sonia’s soulful vocals and ukulele alongside Nigel’s masterful mandolin work, the pair weave together world music flavours, original songs, beautiful harmonies and stories inspired by their travels and life adventures. Since first performing together at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in 2014, they have become a much-loved act on the New Zealand folk and festival scene, enchanting audiences with warmth, humour, virtuoso musicianship and heartfelt connection.
https://www.teanauukulelefestival.co.nz/
Sonia Wilson and Nigel Gavin are the captivating force behind Sonia & Nigel — a multicultural acoustic duo blending French, Kiwi and American influences into a rich and uplifting musical experience. Featuring Sonia’s soulful vocals and ukulele alongside Nigel’s masterful mandolin work, the pair weave together world music flavours, original songs, beautiful harmonies and stories inspired by their travels and life adventures. Since first performing together at the Whare Flat Folk Festival in 2014, they have become a much-loved act on the New Zealand folk and festival scene, enchanting audiences with warmth, humour, virtuoso musicianship and heartfelt connection.
A buffet dining experience with the Sonia & Nigel duo at Skyline Queenstown - Delicious food, Live music and views to match...
Situated high above Queenstown, Stratosfare Restaurant offers unforgettable panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and beyond. Feast on a wide selection of local flavours, from grilled meats and fresh seafood to vibrant plant-based dishes and decadent desserts.
Live Music by the Sonia & Nigel duo:
Sonia and Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
Fresh off an ambitious self-booked three-month tour of Europe, the Sonia & Nigel duo look forward to returning to Skyline, Queenstown, as part of their one-month homecoming NZ national tour.
"A glorious mélange of traditional chanson (read, folk), some more folk pop and cabaret jazz. The sweet acoustic majesty of Nigel's 7-string Kauri guitar. Sonia's beautifully French persona and perfect tones. We are thus blessed." (Roger Bowie, www.muzic.nz)
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply indulging in the view, Stratosfare Restaurant is Queenstown’s most scenic and satisfying buffet dining destination.
Situated high above Queenstown, Stratosfare Restaurant offers unforgettable panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and beyond. Feast on a wide selection of local flavours, from grilled meats and fresh seafood to vibrant plant-based dishes and decadent desserts.
Live Music by the Sonia & Nigel duo:
Sonia and Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
Fresh off an ambitious self-booked three-month tour of Europe, the Sonia & Nigel duo look forward to returning to Skyline, Queenstown, as part of their one-month homecoming NZ national tour.
"A glorious mélange of traditional chanson (read, folk), some more folk pop and cabaret jazz. The sweet acoustic majesty of Nigel's 7-string Kauri guitar. Sonia's beautifully French persona and perfect tones. We are thus blessed." (Roger Bowie, www.muzic.nz)
Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply indulging in the view, Stratosfare Restaurant is Queenstown’s most scenic and satisfying buffet dining destination.
Sonia & Nigel Hilltop Homecoming Tour Concert in WELLINGTON
Sonia & Nigel are a multicultural acoustic duo featuring Paris-born French-American Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. A much-loved duo on the New Zealand music scene and beyond, they weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
After three months on the road performing across France and Europe, the duo return to Aotearoa with new songs and stories to share. Fresh from performances at the Te Anau Ukulele Festival and Akaroa French Festival, they’re delighted to be back at Wellington’s Hilltop House Concerts as part of their Aotearoa homecoming tour.
Sonia & Nigel Hilltop Concert
Gate opens 7pm
Music starts 7.30pm
Friday 16 October 2026
After three months on the road performing across France and Europe, the duo return to Aotearoa with new songs and stories to share. Fresh from performances at the Te Anau Ukulele Festival and Akaroa French Festival, they’re delighted to be back at Wellington’s Hilltop House Concerts as part of their Aotearoa homecoming tour.
Sonia & Nigel Hilltop Concert
Gate opens 7pm
Music starts 7.30pm
Friday 16 October 2026
Sonia & Nigel return home to Auckland for a special concert with pianist Ben Fernandez - a collaboration bringing together three musicians with a shared love of improvisation, melody and musical storytelling. Expect an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, gypsy and world music, along with songs and stories from the road.
This concert marks the culmination of Sonia & Nigel’s musical journey around France, Europe and Aotearoa New Zealand - and celebrates 10 years since Sonia moved to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau. After all those kilometres, songs, adventures and encounters, it feels especially meaningful to finish the journey with a homecoming concert here in our own city.
Sonia & Nigel duo
Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world. After meeting and playing together for the first time at a folk festival during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond — sharing songs as a vehicle for peace, joy, healing and community-building; celebrating beauty, love and ecology through music.
Ben Fernandez
Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Educator
Ben Fernandez is a classically trained jazz pianist, composer and arranger. He has a Masters’ Degree in Music, majoring in Jazz Performance, from the University of Auckland, as well as degrees in Physics, Computer Science and Business Management.
Ben has performed at concerts and events in more than 25 countries and is an award-winning composer for jingles, TV shows and short films. He has released 10 albums of his music in New Zealand and also works as an educator, teaching music at schools and colleges in Auckland. He conducts regular improvisation workshops in New Zealand and overseas and has recently completed composing music for a new rock musical to be staged later this year.
Come along, settle in with a drink and something delicious from the cabinet, and join us for this special evening of music, stories and celebration.
Tickets: $25 + booking fees in advance through Eventfinda, or $30 cash on the door.
Merci & à bientôt!
This concert marks the culmination of Sonia & Nigel’s musical journey around France, Europe and Aotearoa New Zealand - and celebrates 10 years since Sonia moved to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau. After all those kilometres, songs, adventures and encounters, it feels especially meaningful to finish the journey with a homecoming concert here in our own city.
Sonia & Nigel duo
Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world. After meeting and playing together for the first time at a folk festival during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand music scene and beyond — sharing songs as a vehicle for peace, joy, healing and community-building; celebrating beauty, love and ecology through music.
Ben Fernandez
Musical Director, Composer, Arranger, Educator
Ben Fernandez is a classically trained jazz pianist, composer and arranger. He has a Masters’ Degree in Music, majoring in Jazz Performance, from the University of Auckland, as well as degrees in Physics, Computer Science and Business Management.
Ben has performed at concerts and events in more than 25 countries and is an award-winning composer for jingles, TV shows and short films. He has released 10 albums of his music in New Zealand and also works as an educator, teaching music at schools and colleges in Auckland. He conducts regular improvisation workshops in New Zealand and overseas and has recently completed composing music for a new rock musical to be staged later this year.
Come along, settle in with a drink and something delicious from the cabinet, and join us for this special evening of music, stories and celebration.
Tickets: $25 + booking fees in advance through Eventfinda, or $30 cash on the door.
Merci & à bientôt!
Previous events
Previous events
Dans le cadre de notre tournée It Takes A Village / Il Faut Tout Un Village, notre duo Sonia & Nigel jouera un concert intimiste au charmant Petit Théâtre d'Obsonville dans le village d'Obsonville (un village du 13è siècle, à environ 1h12 de Paris, mais la visite vaut le détour) le 12 Juillet à partir de 16h.
Cet évènement s'inscrit pleinement dans l’esprit "village" de notre tournée, avec la présence de quelques invité(e)s très spéciaux venus de près… et de loin.
Les places étant limitées, pensez svp à réserver via notre site pour éviter les déceptions. Les places sont à 20 euros et disponibles en ligne ou sur place pour ceux qui connaissent déjà le lieu et/ou l'hôtesse. Notre site étant néo-zélandais, le prix affiché sera probablement de $40 NZD ce qui est équivalent à 20 euros. Pour plus d'infos ou pour réserver plutôt par téléphone et payer ensuite sur place en espèces, vous pouvez contacter Sonia si besoin au 07.45.02.39.46.
Infos importantes : – L’adresse complète sera envoyée après réservation – C'est une soirée BYO en ce qui est des boissons et snacks apéritif.
Un immense merci à notre hôtesse Geneviève de rendre ce concert possible.
Nous avons hâte de vous y voir et de partager de bons moments ensemble dans ce lieu absolument magique qui nous tient profondément à cœur…
Merci et à bientôt!
Concert Sonia and Nigel à Paris
— (CEST, UTC+02) — (CEST, UTC+02)
We’re finally able to share the details of our June 7th Paris concert — after many messages asking when and where this one would be happening ❤️
As part of our It Takes A Village tour, Sonia & Nigel will be playing an intimate duo concert at Les Coqs En Pâte in Paris on June 7th.
This evening will very much live in the spirit of the tour’s name, with some very special guests joining us from near and far ✨
Places are strictly limited to 50 people and there has already been a lot of interest, so please make sure to reserve through the website to avoid disappointment.
This is a koha / au chapeau concert, with a suggested contribution of 10–20€ per person.
We’re especially excited to finally come play music in Sonia’s hometown ❤️
We’ll also be returning to Paris for a second concert on July 12th in a very special location after the rest of the French tour… more on that soon 👀
Important: – Full address will be sent upon booking – This is a potluck evening, so please BYO drinks + a little food to share with everyone 🍷🥖
A huge thank you to our hosts Louis & Gunnar for making this possible.
———
Nous pouvons enfin partager les détails de notre concert parisien du 7 juin — après les nombreux messages reçus nous demandant quand et où il aurait lieu ❤️
Dans le cadre de notre tournée It Takes A Village, Sonia & Nigel joueront un concert intimiste en duo aux Coqs En Pâte à Paris le 7 juin.
Cette soirée sera pleinement dans l’esprit de la tournée, avec la présence de quelques invité·es très spéciaux venus de près… et de loin ✨
Les places sont strictement limitées à 50 personnes et il y a déjà beaucoup d’intérêt autour de cette date, donc pensez vraiment à réserver via le site pour éviter les déceptions.
Le concert fonctionne au chapeau (koha), avec une contribution suggérée de 10 à 20€ par personne.
Nous sommes particulièrement heureux de pouvoir enfin venir jouer la musique de Sonia dans sa ville natale ❤️
Nous reviendrons également à Paris pour un deuxième concert le 12 juillet, dans un lieu très spécial, après le reste de la tournée française… on vous en dit plus bientôt 👀
Infos importantes : – L’adresse complète sera envoyée après réservation – La soirée est en mode auberge espagnole : apportez vos boissons et un petit plat à partager 🍷🥖
Un immense merci à nos hôtes Louis & Gunnar de rendre cette soirée possible.
🎶 Tainui Tuesdays with Sonia & Nigel – Live in Taupō! Saturday 22 November, 4pm | 12 Kuiwai Drive, Rainbow Point, Taupō
Join us for a magical afternoon of live music by the lake! Beloved Devonport-based band Tainui Tuesdays band (including the Sonia & Nigel duo), bring their joyful and eclectic sound to Taupō for a one-off house concert at Linda’s beautiful lakefront home in Rainbow Point.
Expect an irresistible mix of Americana, British 60s/70s classics, Canadian and Kiwi folk, chanson française, gypsy jazz, waiata, and more — woven together with lush harmonies, guitars, ukulele, bass, drums, keyboard, and accordion. Prepare to dance and singalong, for those who wish to ✨
This is a BYO drinks and food, potluck-style gathering — a true celebration of music, friendship, and connection. Please bring your own deck chair, as we’ll spill out onto the deck and garden if the weather is kind!
💰 Suggested donation: $20–$30 per person (cash at the door or online — link below). Your generosity helps support the five talented musicians who are traveling from Auckland to share their music with you. 🎟️ Tickets available online: www.sonianigelmusic.com/shows Or at the door (please bring cash)
📍 Address: 12 Kuiwai Drive, Rainbow Point, Taupō 3330
Come enjoy an unforgettable lakeside concert surrounded by good vibes and great company 🌅🎵
Sonia & Nigel’s Guitar and Ukulele Workshop
— —
Hilltop Private House Concerts, Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
A practical one and a half hour workshop by Sonia & Nigel duo for guitar and ukulele players 10 years and above. This workshop will be geared toward those with some basic experience of their instrument – be it guitar, ukulele or baritone uke. From seasoned beginners to more advanced players, the exercises, games and songs offered will be tailored to suit a range of playing abilities, with multiple parts to choose from.
Guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Nigel Gavin shares insights, tips and riffs gained from 40 years as a professional musician. Co-hosted by French/American singer, songwriter, guitarist and ukulele teacher Sonia Wilson. Sonia leads a ukulele ensemble in Auckland and has performed at various uke festivals around the country.
FUNdamentals of music practice: games, scales, songs and strategies for building joyful and constructive musical habits on your instrument.
Please bring your instrument, a clip on tuner and a music stand if you have one.
$25 per person
$25.00 per person. Bookings recommended as spaces are limited. Thanks!
French Music and A Cappella Singing Workshop with Sonia & Nigel
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Hilltop Private House Concerts, Upland Road, Kelburn, Wellington 6012
Paris born, now Auckland based singer, songwriter and musician Sonia Wilson will be holding a workshop at Hilltop on Nov 16th from 11am to 12.30pm, open to all levels of musical experience.
“Grounded in Sonia’s personal journey with a-capella singing, world music, French music, sound healing, acting and singing in various bands, the aim of this beginner-friendly workshop will be to introduce attendees to a set of tools for accessing their own creativity through voice, body, breath, playfulness and song, increasing self-confidence, listening and expressive skills, improving vocal agility and an introduction to group improvisation. Through a guided process of creative group exploration, participants will be encouraged to strengthen their physical and spatial awareness and connection, as well as learning about the voice, singing and harmony, with a special focus on a couple French tunes."
Gate opens 10.45am for 11am Start. One and a half hour workshop.
Merci beaucoup & à bientôt!
“Sonia Wilson is a living, breathing human Womad Festival. Born and raised in Paris, UK-educated and now based in Auckland, the Franco-American singer, songwriter and musician had a dizzying musical apprenticeship. A member of both gospel and Acapella choirs from a young age, her music has taken her from the streets of Paris, across the Kenyan savannah, through remote Himalayan villages, and then ’home’ to New Zealand. When she’s not performing, Sonia teaches, offering classes in individual and group ukulele, guitar and vocals.” (Peter Malcouronne, Ockham Collective)
$25.00 per person
$25.00 per person. Bookings recommended as spaces are limited. Merci :)
As a lovely result of our last visit to Wellington with the Unsung Heroes Band, our Sonia & Nigel duo has been invited back to perform at the Hilltop house concert series near the top of the Wellington cable car and botanical gardens. We will be playing a show there on the 15th of November then offering two workshops on the 16th: a French music workshop and a guitar/ukulele/singing workshop after that. Details about the November 16th workshops will be posted soon.
Please book your tickets through Anna's Hilltop website linked below. The address will then be sent to your email.
Merci et à bientôt in Wellington!
"Sonia Wilson & Nigel Gavin Duo Gate opens 7pm Music Starts 7.30pm Saturday 15 November 2025 Auckland based Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals & ukulele and Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar. After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand in December 2014, the pair have become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand folk music scene. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world. They are also both members of the wonderful Unsung Heroes. Suggested donation $30
"Solely to support our wonderfully dedicated musicians and performers, these Private House Concert get-togethers are not-for-profit. We suggest a donation. Usually $20-60 for one or two performers, and $30-70 for three or more – depending on the artists and whether they’re local or travelling. Parking is free after hours and in the weekends in the on-street coupon parking zones in Upland Rd and Glasgow St. The Cable Car Wilson carpark is chargeable 24 hours, seven days a week, with parking fines if time not purchased. We provide water, teas, coffee and snacks. You are welcome to BYO anything you would like to eat or drink. Thank you for supporting music and musicians!"
Suggested donation of $30
Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School 130th Gala (Private Event) 🥐
Le Cordon Bleu New Zealand - Wellington, New Zealand, 52 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011
Thanks to a concert we performed in Wellington earlier this year at the Wellington Alliance Française on invitation of the French Embassy in Wellington, we have been invited by one of the chefs of the Wellington prestigious Cordon Bleu Culinary School to perform at the 130th Gala Dinner, celebrating the school's establishment in Paris back in 1895!
“Le Cordon Bleu, as a culinary arts school, was founded in Paris in 1895 by the journalist and publisher of La Cuisinière Cordon Bleu magazine, Marthe Distel. On October 15, 1895 the first cooking demonstration ever to be held on an electric stove was staged at Le Cordon Bleu in an effort to promote the magazine and launch the Paris cooking school. From this point on, the international reputation of Le Cordon Bleu spread rapidly. Great chefs came to the school to teach students further contributing to the world-renowned reputation of the school. As a result, students from a variety of countries were enrolling in classes as well as notable figures including Julia Child in 1950.”
This will be a private (invitation only) gala soirée attended by the French Ambassador to New Zealand and honorary guests. We are delighted to experience this event and bring a touch of musical French "joie de vivre" to the table... Merci to the team of Le Cordon Bleu and merci beaucoup aussi to Eric Soulier, Mme l'Ambassadrice and the French Embassy for the initial invitation to Wellington and their ongoing support.
Sonia & Nigel on the Interislander with Bands on Board! 🚢🎶
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Kaitaki interislander - Picton to Wellington, Lagoon Road, Picton 7220
Supporting Kiwi music since 2006 It all started onboard the Arahura in 2006 and continues today - an estimated 5,000 bands have performed on board ranging from Anika Moa to Fur Patrol.
Many of New Zealand's leading musicians have been "cruisin' on the Interislander" while touring the country. Many will be quick to admit that a free ferry trip across Cook Strait made touring easier.
Returning from their South Island tour to continue sharing their music up North, our guests on the 1.15pm Kaitaki Interislander on 12.11.2025 from Picton to Wellington will be the Sonia & Nigel duo. They will be performing from 3 to 4.30pm at the Island Bar and Café.
Free concert on the ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington
Our Sonia & Nigel duo is excited to return to Akaroa for our third musical visit to the Grand Hotel. A big thank you to our friend Ben of "Zed" fame for inviting us back to play! The last time we were in Akaroa was to perform as part of the Akaroa French Festival.
This is a family-friendly FREE SHOW, from 6 to 9pm. À bientôt!
Nigel Gavin is a multi award winning musician. Initially a visitor from Long Island, New York, now a resident, Nigel has long been a featured player in New Zealand’s music scene, playing
7 string guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass - indeed, almost anything with strings - with the Nairobi Trio, the Fondue Set, the Jews Brothers, the Blue Bottom Stompers, Lorina Harding, Wayne Gillespie, Whirimako Black, Jonathan Besser & Bravura among others. He has also found time to create and mentor the multi-guitar ensemble Gitbox Rebellion. Gavin is a guitarist with
remarkable versatility who is respected by other players around the world, and who excites audiences with jaw-dropping solos. He continues to work internationally in New Zealand, Europe, Australia and the United States.
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/nigel-gavin
"Sonia Wilson is a living, breathing human Womad Festival. Born and raised in Paris, UK-educated and now based in Auckland, the Franco-American singer, songwriter and musician had a dizzying musical apprenticeship. A member of both gospel and Acapella choirs from a young age, her music has taken her from the streets of Paris, across the Kenyan savannah, through remote Himalayan villages, and then ’home’ to New Zealand. When she’s not performing, Sonia teaches, offering classes in individual and group ukulele, guitar and vocals." (Peter Malcouronne, Ockham Collective)
Sonia & Nigel Duo at Pigeon Bay Community Hall 🐦
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Pigeon Bay Community Hall, 35 Wharf Road, , Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula
After various unsuccessful attempts to bring this duo to Pigeon Bay, we are delighted to welcome Sonia & Nigel at our hall this November.
Sonia & Nigel are a multi-cultural acoustic duo featuring French-American Paris-born Sonia Wilson on vocals and ukulele & Kiwi-American virtuoso musician Nigel Gavin on 7-string guitar.
After meeting and playing together for the first time at the Whare Flat Folk festival in Dunedin during Sonia’s first visit to New Zealand on a solo round-the-world trip in December 2014, the pair have since become a well-loved duo in the New Zealand folk music scene. They weave French, Kiwi and American songs with their own original compositions and inspiration from their travels around the world.
https://linktr.ee/sonianigelmusic
6pm doors and pot luck, 7pm music. Tickets are on sale online for $20 (+ booking fee) or $25 at the door. We look forward to seeing you there!
Pigeon Bay Community Hall 35 Wharf Road, Pigeon Bay, Banks Peninsula pigeonbayhall@gmail.com
Past shows and tours 🎶
