Edwin Carr Scholarship goes to talented NZ

Media release

Embargoed until: 2 June 2007

Edwin Carr Scholarship goes to talented New Zealand composer

Wellington composer Lissa Meridan is the 2007 recipient of the $26,000 Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarship.

The annual Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarship, administered by Creative New Zealand, supports outstanding New Zealand composers to further their studies overseas.

Lissa Meridan, who is currently studying composition in France, intends to use the scholarship to further her studies with Gerard Pape at the Centre des Creations Musicales Iannis Xenakis in Paris.

Lissa Meridan said the scholarship will be of immense value, allowing her to undertake further study while immersing herself in this creatively challenging city.

“This provides me with the opportunity to really extend and develop my craft. The scholarship will allow me to spend time exploring and developing my music and refine my skills as a composer,” Lissa Meridan said.

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright said the scholarship was an excellent opportunity for New Zealand composers to be able to work and study with their international counterparts.

“One of Creative New Zealand’s key priorites is to develop the potential of New Zealand artists to produce high quality work so we are pleased to administer this scholarship on behalf of the Edwin Carr Foundation. This is the first scholarship in New Zealand dedicated to the professional development of our composers,” Stephen Wainwright said.

Tony Carr, brother of Edwin Carr and trustee of the Edwin Carr Foundation said he was thrilled that since its inception in 2004, the Foundation had been able to award three scholarships enabling talented New Zealand composers to undertake training in Europe. Previous recipients include Dylan Lardelli and Robin Toan.

The Scholarship recipient will be formally announced at the world premiere of Edwin Carr’s violin concerto by Christchurch Symphony on Saturday 2 June. Edwin Carr is Christchurch Symphony’s Composer in Focus for 2007.

ENDS

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