Musical Launch for Peter Godfrey: Father of NZ Choral Music

MUSICAL LAUNCH FOR Peter Godfrey: Father of New Zealand Choral Music
Media release: Mākaro Press

One hundred and seventy people packed into Parklands Social Hall in Waikanae on Saturday 10 October to celebrate the launch of a book about the man called the father of New Zealand choral music: Peter Godfrey.

Peter Godfrey, 93,who lives at Parkwood, attended the event along with members of his family, old friends from all over the country, and a host of eminent musicians, singers and composers, as well as members of the many choirs he has conducted over the years including at least three in the Kāpiti area.

The oral history of his life – Peter Godfrey: Father of New Zealand Choral Music by Elizabeth Salmon, published by Mākaro Press – was launched to the singing of madrigals and one of Peter's favourite songs, a grace called 'Oculi Omnium', which he conducted. The crowd stood to sing 'Oculi' in a resounding four-part harmony, many of them visibly moved by what may be Peter's last time conducting a large choir.

Peter Averi ONZM launched the book, talking about the stellar career of a man who has made music his life and is the only person to have been chorister, choral scholar and director of music at King’s College, Cambridge. He said that in 1959 Peter Godfrey brought those exacting standards to choirs in this country, developing them to international standard.

He began at St Mary’s Cathedral in Auckland, and went on to conduct the Dorian, National Youth, Orpheus & Wellington Cathedral choirs, as well as the Kāpiti choirs. Peter’s influence continues through a new generation of conductors, and the work of the NZ Choral Federation he established.

The book draws on conversations with Peter himself, colleagues, friends and pupils throughout his life – people such as Peter Averi, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Karen Grylls, David Hamilton and Nick Tipping. Peter also recalls encounters and friendships with leading figures in the world of music like Ralph Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten.

Author Elizabeth Salmon was Peter Godfrey's first organ pupil in New Zealand and went on to be involved in a number of his choirs including the role of assistant musical director of the Dorian Choir. She lives in Waikanae.

ISBN 978-0-9941065-8-2
Biography published by Mākaro Press
Paperback A5, photographs included.
RRP $40 available at all good bookstores and online
makaropress@gmail.com
www.makaropress.co.nz

© Scoop Media