Following its hiatus of 2021, our annual national Conference is back on track for January 2022. We missed out on so much this year – all the more reason to go to Conference 2022, as our Government Nominee, Emeritus Professor John Drummond, explains.

Auckland Branch IRMTNZ began 2021 on a high, with a two-day series of chamber music workshops and recitals. Geoffrey Hinds reports on the first day.

"We were hoping for 8-10 entries: instead, we received 31..."
A new concerto competition in Dunedin exceeds expectations, as Otago Branch IRMTNZ Chairperson, Louise Drummond, explains.

Harassment in the workplace can have lifelong repercussions for those on the receiving end. Help is now at hand for those of us in the music industry, as Jeni Little reports.

The NTD International Piano Competition celebrates pianists not only for their technical brilliance but for the purity of their performances—particularly how they communicate the inherent beauty and goodness of a classical composition to the audience.

This competition is truly one of a kind−it heralds a classical music revival−and gives talented pianists many extraordinary opportunities. The competition aims to preserve and revitalize the art of authentic classical piano music, bringing back the glory of piano masterpieces from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods. 

Matariki – the Maori New Year - is celebrated when the star cluster of the same name rises during Pipiri (late June or early July). Signifying new beginnings, what better time than Matariki to reflect on our unique history and culture – the path we have travelled and our hopes for the future....

Variety is the spice of life for Whanganui Branch IRMTNZ Chairperson, Ingrid Culliford MNZM: she performs regularly as a chamber musician and orchestral player, examines for NZMEB and adjudicates competitions. We begin by asking her how these professional involvements influence her approach to teaching.

CONFERENCE 2022:
AKO PUORO – From the Lakes to the Geysers
Embracing Cultural Diversity

Our Conference committee has been busy! Conference presenters include NZ-based German pianist Michael Endres, and Australian broadcaster and man-of-many-talents, Christopher Lawrence.

Information about the presenters, programme and accommodation is now available on our website.
 
Interested in presenting at Conference? See the Call for Papers on our website: last date for submissions 5pm Friday 23 July.

Members are reminded that IRMTNZ has recently moved its current accounts from ANZ to ASB Bank. Please note our new account number:
12-3148-0151669-00
 
If you haven’t yet updated your online banking payment information, please do so NOW. Our old account will be closed shortly so subscriptions must be paid to the above account number.

Also, IRMTNZ is unable to accept cheques as payment as most banks no longer accept cheque payments. Please contact your bank for advice about alternative methods of payment including telephone or online banking.

Warmest congratulations to Associate member Anita Prime, who was awarded Queen’s Service Medal for her services to Youth and Community in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Neville Nielsen 1935 - 2021

IRMTNZ is saddened to hear of the recent death of Neville Nielsen. A member of IRMTNZ since 1970, Neville Nielsen was awarded Distinguished Branch Member (DBM) of Auckland Branch in 2010.

Friend and colleague, Geoffrey Hinds, reminisces.                     
 

CONCERTS: Auckland and Wellington audiences can celebrate Matariki with the NZSO  performing the world premiere of Ngā Hihi o Matariki by flamboyant composer Gareth Farr. Guest artists: conductor Gemma New with Ariana Tikao (taonga puoro and reo oro) and Mere Boynton (reo oro) Auckland 2 July, Wellington 9 July
 
WEBSITE: Singer/songwriting legend Bob Dylan turned 80 last month and to mark the occasion, Rolling Stone magazine has shared its extensive collection of Dylan archives on its website. 
 
LISTENING: Taonga puoro expert Richard Nunns QSM (1945 – 2021), in collaboration with Hirini Melbourne and Brian Flintoff, was widely credited with the revival of taonga puoro after more than 100 years of silence. Sadly, Richard passed away on 7 June, but we can still learn from him and take inspiration from numerous recordings and articles on the internet. Here’s one worth a listen. 
 
SUPPORT: Registered charity MusicHelps ĀwhinaPuoro is “dedicated to changing lives through music”, supporting projects that help people in need. Help is available for those working in the music profession who may be experiencing emotional distress or financial hardship insert following links
Wellbeing Service - MusicHelps
Benevolent Fund - MusicHelps 

Aroha String Quartet International Academy 2021
11 – 17 July, St Andrew’s on the Terrace, Wellington
Tutor’s concert 14 July 12pm
Gala concert 17 July 5pm

Voice Teaching in Aotearoa 
Celebrating our unique tapestry
23 – 25 July, Queen Margaret College, Thorndon, Wellington
 

Cadenza 13 – 23 August
Finale 28 August
See the calendar here.

He Hononga – Connecting Within and Across
11 – 13 October, Tauranga Boys College, Tauranga
Call for presenters closes Friday 2 July

AKO PUORO - From the Lakes to the Geysers
Embracing Cultural Diversity
25 – 28 January 2022, Millenium Hotel, Rotorua
For further information including the Call for Papers visit the Conference page. 

35th World Conference of the International Society of Music Education
Brisbane, Australia
17 – 22 July 2022
Call for submissions now open.