Chamber Music New Zealand foster homegrown talent

Chamber Music New Zealand foster homegrown talent

New Zealand composer Ross Harris has been selected as one of the finalists in the 2004 SOUNZ Contemporary Awards. Ross’s composition, At the Edge of Silence, was commissioned in 2004 by Chamber Music New Zealand and was performed by Stroma earlier this year as part of CMNZ’s Celebrity Season.

The Auckland Philharmonia recently engaged Harris as their 2005 Composer-in-Residence. Auckland Philharmonia Composers-in-Residence to date have included Gillian Whitehead (2000, 2001), Jonathan Besser (1998) and Eve de Castro-Robinson (1991).

Gillian, Jonathan and Eve all share an association with Chamber Music New Zealand. In 2003, Australian chamber music ensemble Southern Cross Soloists performed Gillian’s composition Quintet, a work commissioned by CMNZ. Gillian was also an Adjudicator of CMNZ’s annual Chamber Music Contest in 2003.

This month New Zealand ensemble Tango Virtuosi are performing Jonathan’s composition, Circus Tango, as part of their Associate Societies tour.

Australian ensemble Duo Sol performed Split the Lark, a piece composed by Eve de Castro-Robinson as part of CMNZ’s Celebrity Season earlier this year.

The winner of the 2004 SOUNZ Contemporary Awards will be announced at the APRA Silver Scroll Awards Ceremony on Wellington on 26 October. About Chamber Music New Zealand

Chamber Music New Zealand present local and international chamber music ensembles throughout New Zealand. Their annual Celebrity Season showcases premier international artists, while the Associate Societies programme focuses on New Zealand performers. The New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2005, fosters the musical stars of the future.

Celebrity Season feature artists vary in nationality and style and programmes vary from well-loved classics to challenging contemporary works. All artists share a high reputation for virtuosity and vitality. Celebrity Season concerts are presented in Auckland, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

For more information, ph 0800 CONCERT (266 2378) or visit www.chambermusic.co.nz.

In supporting New Zealand composers, Chamber Music New Zealand acknowledge funding from Creative New Zealand.

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