NZSM DAWN CHORUS—FEBRUARY 2018
We've just received a new batch of photos from last year's production of The Cunning Little Vixen, taken by Philip Merry. We particularly like the stunning one above of Pasquale Orchard with conductor Kenneth Young. You can check out the other photos here.
There are a few really interesting events coming up in February that we fully support you heading along to. Flo Wilson, an NZSM graduate and recipient of the Toi Pōneke/ NZSM Sound Art Residency, has a closing night performance on 2 Feb with fellow residency artist Olivia Webb. Dance graces the Adam Concert Room on 11 February with a special lecture and performance with piano accompaniment by NZSM's Hamish Robb. And for those of you who enjoy culture and the outdoors you might like to check out the Chinese opera in the park on 8 February. Enjoy!
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Attunement
Flo Wilson and Olivia Webb join forces as Wellington’s 2017-18 Toi Pōneke / New Zealand School of Music sound artists in residence.
Their exhibition Attunement features new sound and performance works that explore the voice and identity.
Alongside the exhibition the artists will hold two public workshops focussing on modes of attunement and embodied listening, along with a closing night performance.
Artist talk
Sunday 28 January, 2pm, Toi Pōneke
Free public workshop
Monday 29 January, 2pm, Toi Pōneke. To register email artscentre@wcc.govt.nz
Closing night & live performance
Friday 2 February, 5pm, Toi Pōneke
Chinese Opera in the Park
Thursday 8 February, 7pm, The Dell, Wellington Botanic Gardens, free entry
(Adam Concert Hall, New Zealand School of Music is the rain day alternative)
The Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington and the China Cultural Centre present The Peony Pavilion, a tale of love and desire in a Chinese garden from classic Kunqu opera.
There is outdoor seating for 60-80 in the Dell for this one hour event, so turn up early if you want to ensure a seat.
More information can be found on www.victoria.ac.nz/ci
Russell Kerr Lecture in Ballet and Related Arts
The New Zealand School of Music is delighted to be hosting the inaugural Russell Kerr lecture in ballet and related arts on 11 February.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Michelle Potter, leading Australian dance scholar and historian, on The Life and Work of Kristian Fredrikson, Ballet and Theatre Designer - Petone Boy Made Good.
11 February 2018 marks the 60th anniversary of the day Jon Trimmer joined New Zealand Ballet under the direction of Poul Gnatt, 11 February, 1958. Prior to the lecture, at 3pm, Sir Jon will perform, together with William Fitzgerald, in Lark, choreographed by Loughlan Prior, of RNZB, with piano accompaniment by Hamish Robb of NZSM, and Beth Chen. Lark is performed by kind permission of Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Sunday 11 February, 3pm, Adam Concert Room
Free entry with rsvp to jennifershennan@xtra.co.nz
NEWS
Voice graduates taking the world by storm
NZSM classical voice graduates have been landing terrific roles around the globe recently, performing everything from Phantom of the Opera on the West End to Verdi at top German opera houses. Many of them are also returning home to NZ for roles with NZ Opera and Chamber Music New Zealand. Bianca Andrew (pictured above) has joined Oper Frankfurt for their Opera Studio for 2017/18, and in May will be returning to New Zealand for a tour with Chamber Music New Zealand, performing 20th-century chamber music with Alex Ross and STROMA. Read more...
New programme for Year 12 and 13 students
NZSM is excited to announce a new STAR course for Year 12 and 13 students. The first-year degree-level 15-point course (PERF 165) runs from March to October.
Pre-tertiary students in this course will benefit from instrumental or vocal classes through the Young Musicians Programme. In addition, they will receive ten individual lessons with University faculty staff over the course of the year, supplementary to their existing tuition. Lessons will be tailored to the needs of the students, focusing on the technical foundation and repertoire that will assist them in reaching their potential and preparing them for university study.
The programme is open to all students, not just those considering studying music at tertiary level, however students must pass an audition to be accepted.
For further information and audition information please contact the YMP Coordinator on nzsmymp@vuw.ac.nz. The deadline to enrol is 23 February 2018.
What is New Zealand music?
Searches for Tradition: Essays on New Zealand Music, Past and Present is a new collection of scholarly essays on New Zealand music, with contributions by New Zealand School of Music staff Michael Norris, Samantha Owens, and Jenny Wollerman.
The book, edited by NZSM Associate Professor Samantha Owens and Alexander Turnbull Library curator Michael Brown, presents case studies drawn from a broad spectrum of genres, cultures and historical periods. There are investigations of New Zealand’s colonial music to fresh consideration of Lilburn’s legacy, from corners of the jazz scene to the contemporary revitalization of taonga puoro. The book is published by Victoria University Press, and is on sale at Vic Books. An interview with editors Samantha Owens and Michael Brown can be found here.
NZSM DMA student receives first commission for emerging players
Simon Eastwood has been selected for the first ever SOUNZ Centre for New Zealand Music and Orchestra Wellington Commission for Emerging Players, for his work ‘Infinity Mirror’. Read more...
Jazz lecturer’s book on seminal New York band makes best-of-year lists
NZSM Senior Lecturer Dave Lisik’s book 50 Years at the Village Vanguard - Thad Jones, Mel Lewis and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra has been named in the 'Best of 2017' in New York City Jazz Record Magazine, often named the top periodical for jazz related releases. Read more...
Student spotlight - Lily Shaw
In 2018 we'll be showcasing some of our students in this newsletter. First up is Lily Shaw - who is studying both jazz saxophone and classical voice.
I’m studying a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance on the tenor saxophone. I also do Classical Voice as a second instrument.
Both of my parents are musicians so I was always surrounded by music growing up, and I have always loved singing. My older brother went through jazz school before me on guitar so that’s sort of what inspired me to study there.
Saxophone is my main passion so I knew early on that I wanted to study jazz, but I did a lot of classical choral singing while I was in high school and really enjoyed it. After my first year of studying jazz I decided to start doing classical voice as a second instrument because I missed singing.
The main challenge I faced last year was having a bigger workload. It was a bit more stressful come exam time because I had recitals for two separate instruments to prepare for. I’ve really enjoyed studying in two areas though because I’ve met a few more people from the classical school and been able to perform in two of the Days Bay Operas.
I often take quick breaks from the practise room to have a“sift” in the hallway (as we call it at jazz school) and I like to go to classes at the gym.
I love playing music with other people and have made so many nice friends by playing music together. The most inspiring thing I saw last year was Ari Hoenig and Nitai Hershkovits at the jazz festival.
After I graduate I’d love to keep on studying.
Support the musicians, composers and scholars of the future
For some of New Zealand's most talented musicians, the only thing that stands in the way of their dreams is the lack of funds to make them real. For further information on how you can provide support for students at the New Zealand School of Music, please contact either:
Rosalene Fogel
Development Manager
Victoria University of Wellington Foundation
Ph: 0800 VIC LEGACY (0800 842 534)
Email: rosalene.fogel@vuw.ac.nz
www.victoria.ac.nz/foundation
