NZ composer's music played at Olympic Games

Wed, 18 Aug 2004

IMNZ would like to congratulate John Psathas and Rattle Records for the composer’s outstanding achievement in being selected to compose the opening and closing music for the 2004 Olympic Games currently being held in Athens.

On August 14 Psathas’ music was broadcast to an audience of around 3 billion people, probably the largest audience for New Zealand composed music to date.

John Psathas was chosen from more than 600 international composers to write and arrange 13 pieces of music for the Athens Olympics. He has a long-standing relationship with IMNZ member Rattle Records, having worked with the label for over 11 years. His debut album, 'Rhythm Spike', featuring leading US and NZ classical and jazz performers, won the Classical Album of the Year award at the 2000 New Zealand Music Awards.

IMNZ is thrilled that success on this magnitude has been achieved by an artist signed to an independent label, in a often overlooked genre, and this highlights the contribution made by artists and labels working at the less obviously commercial end of the industry.

ENDS

© Scoop Media