Acclaimed pianist joins Auckland School of Music

Media release
9 November 2009

Acclaimed pianist joins University of Auckland’s School of Music

The University of Auckland is proud to announce the appointment of New Zealand pianist Stephen De Pledge to its School of Music.

Stephen De Pledge is one of the most exciting and versatile musicians of his generation. He studied at The University of Auckland, and then with Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. His career was launched after winning the Gold Medal from the Guildhall, and the NFMS Young Concert Artists’ Award, and he has since maintained a diverse and wide-ranging performing schedule, as soloist, chamber musician and song accompanist.

Stephen’s solo performances have taken him throughout the UK, including five solo recitals in the Wigmore Hall in London, where he made his acclaimed debut in 1999. He has also given solo performances in Hong Kong, Italy, France, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the USA. Concerto appearances include the Philharmonia (London) and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, and performances in the Barbican and Fairfield Halls. He has recorded solo works of Bliss, Messiaen and Arvo Pärt, for whom he made the world premiere recording of the piano sonatinas. He also made the premiere recording of the 4 Piano Preludes of Gorecki.

As a Senior Lecturer in Piano at the School of Music, Stephen De Pledge will teach piano major students and tutor chamber music groups.

“I am delighted to be taking up this position at The University of Auckland, after 17 years away from New Zealand. I very much look forward to being part of the vibrant musical community at the University, and to working alongside Rae de Lisle in the School of Music’s piano department,” he says.

“Our piano department is well known for the quality of its students and graduates. Our reputation has been built over many years by a very distinguished teaching staff. Stephen De Pledge is a leading pianist with a fine international reputation and his addition to our ranks is quite significant for us and for New Zealand music and will do much to maintain and enhance our international standing," says Professor Robert Constable, Head of the School.

Stephen De Pledge takes up his appointment in February 2010. For more information visit www.stephendepledge.com

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.

ENDS

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