Meet the team
Dominique Blatti
Founder & Director
Born and raised in the French-speaking region of Switzerland, Dominique Blatti began learning classical guitar at the age of nine. She pursued her studies at the Music Conservatory of Geneva before immigrating to New Zealand with her parents at 18. For over 25 years, she has been a dedicated performer and educator, actively promoting the classical guitar through teaching and a variety of collaborative projects.
Dominique has founded and conducted numerous guitar ensembles and has performed in diverse musical settings, including collaborations with string quartets, as well as duets with flute, cello, recorder, violin, voice, and guitar. She is the founder and director of the Taranaki Classical Guitar Summer School, a biennial event held in New Plymouth since 2012, and co-founder and co-director of the NCMA Classical Guitar Festival, which has taken place in Nelson every odd year since 2019.
Beyond the classical guitar world, Dominique is also the vocalist for ‘La Mer’, a successful French café music group that has toured extensively across New Zealand, performing at major festivals and events. Her background in executive administration and HR management has equipped her with the skills to organize and deliver highly successful music events, further fostering a vibrant classical guitar culture in New Zealand.
Ingrid Riollot
Artistic Director
Ingrid Riollot, the virtuoso classical guitarist, is celebrated for her extraordinary artistry and captivating performances spanning over two decades. Born into a family of artists, her deep passion for the guitar ignited at an early age, leading her to pursue formal training under esteemed maestros. With a style that blends sensitivity, technical mastery, and deep musical expression, Ingrid has enchanted audiences worldwide, earning a reputation as a leading figure in the classical guitar world.
Her performances, known for their spellbinding interpretations and flawless technique, have taken her to prestigious venues across the globe. She collaborates with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and renowned artists, showcasing the guitar’s rich versatility across diverse musical landscapes. Her extensive repertoire spans centuries and continents, breathing new life into timeless masterpieces and introducing audiences to both classical gems and contemporary compositions.
Beyond the stage, Ingrid is a passionate educator, committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians. She dedicates her time to teaching, adjudicating international competitions, and offering masterclasses that nurture aspiring guitarists. Through her dual roles as performer and educator, Ingrid Riollot continues to shape the future of classical guitar, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
https://www.ingridriollot.com/
Helen Griffiths
Administrator
Helen freely admits that her guitar skills extend only to G, D, and A major chords, but put a violin in her hands and she’s right at home. Born and raised in Wales and now a New Zealand citizen, she was gently persuaded into the Administrator role by the ever-charming Dominique.
A creative at heart with an entrepreneurial spirit, she loves bringing ideas to life whether it’s building a small award-winning hospitality business; developing therapy programmes and resources for her work as a paediatric speech language pathologist; creating arrangements for her violin students; performing poetry or writing the successful children’s books ‘Treasure Beyond Measure’ and ‘Ross the Cat’.
Her expertise extends into the digital realm, where she’s a whizz at social media management. Fortunately, she also has an in-house IT expert—her ever-supportive husband, Huw —to ensure all tech-related crises are swiftly resolved.
While some might assume she’s highly organised, Helen insists it’s all an illusion. With her on board for the 2026 TCGSS programme, expect a whirlwind of enthusiasm, creativity, and perhaps a touch of entertaining chaos. You have been warned!
https://www.rumpusbooks.co.nz/