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Affiliates'

Folio #1 Issue #3: Thu 5 Sep 2019

Journal

Dear Affiliates Enjoy this third edition of the AJ

Spring Waters n 1 September 2019, mid-day, the first day of one of our “Four

Seasons” (i.e. Spring), this family were on the way to enjoy “Water Music”. in the nearby Heathcote River. AJ Editor, was on the way to a tutorial listening to and enjoying Handel’s.

Discovering “Hidden Jewels” – A Cauldron of Ideas

ity Council’s Kiri Jarden welcomed, in Türanga (Christchurch Central Library) at 5.00pm Friday 14 June 2019, over fifty representatives of the city’s many cultural entities ranging

from newest and/or smallest to the longest established and in most cases the largest in membership. Leading up to this major “conversation”, area consultation meetings had been held under the auspices of the Toi Otautahi Draft Arts Strategy. It is still visible by clicking: https://www.ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/art-museums/toi-otautahi-christchurch-arts They culminated in the June meeting’s raft of recommendations to the Council supported with verbalisation by key players supporting them. Denise Murfitt represented the CCMC with Robert Tait (the AJ’s Editor) in support. The thrust was that together with imagination and creativity our [sometimes] “hidden jewels” can be revealed”. After Kiri Jarden’s introduction (supported by Tessa Zant), she ‘rang the bell’ for the brainstorming to begin. How exciting it was for those at Denise’s table to meet with familiar Art leaders, such as Chris Archer (either known well in person or by his prodigious reputation. He is currently on leave from Creative NZ for attachment to the Christchurch’s Arts Centre) His colleague, David Pannett from Creative NZ shared how much was known about and the respect for the initiatives and activities of the Arts entities represented. Our table’s Broadsheet submission listed the combined thoughts of Philippa Graham (bringing perspectives of the craft arena), Surinder Tandon (Christchurch Multicultural Council), James Meharry (Director of RDU98.5fm Christchurch’s only alternative radio station) in addition to those of Denise, Chris, David, and Robert. No surprise; the other two tables also proposed many of the same initiatives as our table as well as their own additional aspects. It was heartening that City Councillor Phil Clearwater (Spreydon Ward) sat at our table and offered wise comments. His subsequent support by moving a significant motion at a Council meeting heralds good steps ahead. [See extract from Council minutes below.] To read about effects as they unfold, look for updates in future AJ issues.

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On Thursday 22 August 2019 at the City Council’s 9.45am regular meeting the minutes record that the following motion was put (NB: subject to routine confirmation processes):

[Item:]19. Toi Ōtautahi -a strategy for arts and creativity in Ōtautahi Christchurch: NB: Leighton Evans (Chief Executive) of the Rata Foundation, Stephen Wainwright (Chief Executive) and Garth Galloway of Creative NZ joined the table for this item. Council Resolved CNCL/2019/00184 That the Council: 1. Endorse Toi Ōtautahi. 2. Endorse continued work with funding partners and the sector to ensure robust leadership, implementation and monitoring of Toi Ōtautahi. Councillor Clearwater/Councillor Templeton: Carried

Thoughts (shorthand catch-phrases) of Toi strategy representatives Arts Activate Otautahi (and for sure, implementation of any of these can enliven our Otautahi world)

• Say no to trickle down • Developers have to fund some art aspect it’s social

responsibility • Big organisations with big funding having essential

community • outreach (i.e. CSO & Scape do this well) in their

funding requirements • Affordable studios • Justify hierarchical approach to arts • Art mentors • Art residencies & exchanges • Not just visual arts more • Rehearsal space • Visibility for the arts • Value different choices • Shift in access, use & feeling at home in our art

areas • Connect with multicultural strategy • Buses & affordable transport to arts • Places where people can connect & get

opportunities • Sponsorship for individuals • Relationships between university fine arts / Ara etc.

– • the beyond / real life / pathway between tertiary • & the realities of being an artist • What’s not covered at AA School • Support practitioners – can’t be a leader for the arts

without • supporting / advocating for artists / practitioners /

craft

• Art bus – dedicated to bring people to the art • Broad and inclusive definition of arts and creativity • More opportunities for ethnic & migrant artists • (not just food & music) – fusion & collaboration • Website for all art events etc. Actual full time role • Skill share opportunities • A place for artists like farmers market. A hub • Excelling Chch creatives return to skill share & run

workshops • Neighbourhood art workshops • Art workshops • Festivals & events • Benefits to building owners for using vacant spaces

– • incentives for business people to support the arts • Enabling access to physical space • More young people to arts events i.e. bring a kid to

the • CSO (not rugby)

Creative, Exploration – Defines who we are Exploration

• We will invest $$ • Process is important / vital to exploration • E.g. residency ant necessarily a ‘product’

Visibility in public spaces, infrastructure beyond visual arts, buildings physical Public, private creative partnerships???

• Investment • Collaboration

7. A Muri Ake Nei – looking ahead

• There are gaps for e.g. Who votes? • Accountability? • Ambassadors, mouth pieces, influencers to build

bridges – connect people

Comms need focus on community / people all the time it’s not just about council – cross sector inclusive e.g. I Site / Ngai Tahu / Queenstown tourism / Creatives Best place to live and create

• Clear pathways to access for those who find it hardest

• Make it cheap • Affordable spaces • Communication & connecting is enabled – how to

do this?

• Encouraging – mentoring “effect” – methods to bring return artists & practitioners back to Otautahi

• Celebrating and recognising local as a priority – practices – artists

• Demonstrating relevancy & excellency that attracts further engagement

• Engaging / inspiring places to live / create & venues • Utilising artistic spaces – creating a heart – distinct

& aspirational • Makesurethatwemakeensurepeopleknow

(awareness)• Breakingdownthecompartmentalisationof

industry*daretobeinnovativewithourthinking

• Encouragementoutsidethecentres–outreach&suburban&rural–widenaccessibility

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(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019)

Sparkles that gleamed & yet to come

eantime, the city’s crown jewels have been delighting audiences with iconic events. Below are descriptions about some of these (randomly selected and in no particular order)

together with foreshadowings of sparkles yet to come.

President Nigel Salsbury reports about about the Christchurch Liederfafel Male Voice Choir Recently (4 Aug 2019 starting 2:15pm), the choir performed one of its three subscriber concerts with St Andrew’s Centennial Chapel at the venue. As with most concerts, it was themed: this time “Around the World in 80 minutes”; [a take-off from the famous Jules Verne novel]. Music was performed under direction of inspirational conductor, Daniel Cooper, and included items to wow any audience. They were sourced from many continents as we took our audience to popular countries around the world. These included, New Zealand, Australia, USA, Brazil, Europe, and Asia before safely landing back in New Zealand. Feedback from the concert was extremely satisfying in the knowledge that we provided our patronage with something they thoroughly enjoyed. And so I must invite everyone to attend our Christmas concert on Sunday 1st December 2019 to indulge in popular well known Christmas carols, melodies and classics. This is an extremely popular concert and we aim to provide once again, a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of music and also act as a start the festive season for everyone such that they may enjoy a Happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all there.

ince its inception in 1885 the CLMVC has grown in numbers, repertoire and reputation. One of the initial leaders was William Rhind originally from Glasgow, but the name Liedertafel

was suggested and adopted by Sir Julius Von Haast, a key person involved in the regular initial meetings of professional men with musical inclination who met periodically. Many prestigious and influential men involved in the development of Christchurch as a developing city have been involved in the choir over the years. More detailed information regarding the choir development can be found in two books, “A History of The Christchurch Liedertafel 1885-1985” by Wyndham Simpson and “Into the New Millennium 1985 – 2000” by W. Douglas Sloane. A further book regarding the history of the choir is currently in progress.

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(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019) oday the choir is comprised of around 40 singing members, who undergo an audition to join the choir. The members of the choir come from professional backgrounds of society with a

mix of those continuing to work and those enjoying their retirement. There is a general bond between these guys who, like their predecessors, have a common musical inclination. They annually undertake to perform 3 scheduled concerts for the benefit of audiences, primarily aimed at subscribers of the choir. This provides a fantastic source of comradery with a sole purpose of the regular concerts to provide a means of entertainment for audiences and a means of financial stability. One of the aims of the choir is the development of youth in a musical capacity and this is fulfilled on an ongoing basis in many forms. Listen to selections of their offerings:

Oklahoma https://youtu.be/l9-Z4pi0U4E Gendarmes https://youtu.be/7c_B_ZDf3Ms

udience attendance has grown over recent years and many people ask why. The CLMVC provides an entertaining afternoon of music 3 times a year. Most concerts are themed and

there is a healthy mix of serious musicianship and general musical frivolity. Many of the musical items presented are familiar giving the audience something to tap their toe to or even sing along. Yes, many of the audience are in their mature years and may even be previous members. For them this is entertainment for an afternoon at a weekend when alternative entertainment may be more wanton. For others, it is an opportunity to be able to have a couple hours of musical enjoyment outside of the normal humdrum of life. In conclusion, if you would like to join our membership to sing or subscribe please get in touch. Should you wish to offer support by way of sponsorship this too would be most welcome. We look forward to seeing you at our next concert. (The Choir is a registered charity and any donations made can be claimed as tax credits).

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The NZ Trio magnificent Ashley Brown, Somi Kim, Amalia Hall

hristchurch was entranced with the NZ Trio’s “Tectonic Shift” * at the Arts Centre 7.00pm Thursday 11 July 2019. The Trio has newly become an Affiliate of CCMC. Founding cellist,

Ashley Brown, announced late 2018 the coming on board of pianist Somi Kim and violinist Amalia Hall (l. to r. in the photo). The magical ensemble on the night exhilarated the enthusiastic audience. They were most charming in the warm-spirited post concert afterglow. Visit their website for their exciting news ahead https://nztrio.com (* It was an imaginary voyage on the Endeavour with music painting a picture of encounters with Maori and Europeans.)

malia was playing on a stunning “on-loan” violin. Her term of loan is due to expire, so she is looking out for a kind sponsor to help her with a violin to replace it (on mutually suitable

terms). Perhaps a reader can come to the “party” or knows someone who can support in this way. Contact the Trio direct via the link above.

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A Chamber Music NZ treat First ever engagement in New Zealand, Viktoria is heralded as “true music

royalty”. Her Christchurch appearance is at The Piano, 5.00pm Sunday 15 Sep 2019. She has appeared with most of the world’s greatest orchestras and their remarkable conductors.

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Viktoria Mullova is known the world over as a violinist of exceptional versatility and musical integrity. She is joined by husband Matthew Barley (Cello) and our very own Stephen De Pledge (Piano) They present:

(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019) cornerstones of the repertoire. For further information and tickets, visit https://nz.patronbase.com/_ChamberMusic/Productions/C619/Performances

Go free if you can find eight friends

rganise an 8ve of friends to attend the Christchurch City Chorus Concert pre-New Orleans journey to be champions and you win a freebie. See the poster for details.

Requiem revisited fter a successful part performance a while back, All Souls Choir together with organist, Paul Brown, Apollo Strings, Boy Treble Soloists from Medbury School (under care of Chrissie

Badger) and Baritone Matthew Harris, all under the direction of Murray Lennox, the composer and choir director are to perform the whole work. The first half features choir motets etc., accompanied by pianist Sue Lennon, and items by Apollo Strings. They perform, amongst other works, the premiere of FIVE ALIVE by Christchurch composer, Barbara Maguire. The event is at All Souls Church, 30 Church Lane (off Papanui Road), Merivale, Christchurch, 2.00pm Sunday 15 Sep 2019.

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(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019)

Christchurch Choristers Congregate

he annual Choral Festival 3.00pm Sunday 11 August 2019 at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral was one of the best events in Christchurch’s music calendar. It has become an occasion looked forward

to by choristers and the city’s choirs as one of the climaxes of the year’s concert series. It foreshadowed the NZ Choral Federation’s Canterbury and West Coast Branch city walk-a-bout Singfest 24 & 25 August 2019.

t Mary’s event was made up of a cluster of the city’s iconic choral groups. It opened with Christchurch Churches of the RSCMNZ including the host choir of the Cathedral of the Blessed

Sacrament (CBS and D of M Don Whelan), Christchurch (Transitional) Cathedral (D of M Dr John Linker), St Michael’s & All Angels (Paul Ellis D of M), St Joseph’s Choir (Ken Joblin D of M) and chorister representatives from numerous RSCMNZ Church Choirs and singing groups. Conducting and accompanying roles shared variously between Dr John Linker, Nick Sutcliffe, & Paul Ellis.

ommunity Choirs Group took the stage next: Sandra Norquary directed and Jean White accompanied: highlight of their bracket was apt – Wonderful, Wonderful World by Jerry Estes.

Youth Choirs followed: Christchurch Cathedral Choristers and Christchurch Boys’ Choir combined With Dr John Linker, Nicholas Sutcliffe and Richard Oswin sharing conducting and accompanying roles; Everyone particularly enjoyed the fun of the Tate arrangement of the Trad. Old MacDonald.

ow Concert Choirs enthralled us all with offerings. Singers from Cecilian Singers, Schola Cantorum, Jubilate Singers, CBS Choir members, City Choir choristers began the bracket with

Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” arranged and conducted Mary Rushton, Felicity O’Brien offered Orlando Gibbons’ magical “The Silver Swan”; Dies Irae from Mozart’s Requiem directed by Dr John Linker brought the bracket to a stirring end.

Church choirs begin with Ken Joblin leading Combined choirs bring the concert to an exhilarating end

arry’s famous anthem (performed at the coronation of our Queen), “I Was Glad”, was sung by the massed choirs, directed by Don Whelan (the co-ordinator or the event) and accompanied by

Dr John Linker: this brought the concert to an exhilarating conclusion.

SSB hursday 29 Aug 2019 from daybreak Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena

housed musicians from all over Canterbury for the annual Strum, Strike, &Blow. Over a thousand School pupils, teachers and supporting musicians, gathered for all day final rehearsals to prepare for the 7.00pm public concert. They had been rehearsing for weeks beforehand at respective schools led by their teachers and specialists under the auspices of CCMC & MEC directed by of Celia Stewart and Judith Bell.

Photograph courtesy Minnie Knight

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(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019)

The CCMC Story (Chapter three) Appearing in this and future issues are a series of stories, articles and photographs about the CCMC. They are selected at random from archives. Also from submissions or meetings with the outstanding contributors involved - Ed.

He knew what Piano playing was all about ichael Lawrence, Chairman of CCMC’s National Concerto Competition, highly respected Christchurch teacher, pianist and CCMC Councillor, during the

4 July 2019 Council meeting commented that he came to know what piano playing was all about only after commencing (as a youngster) lessons with Ernest Empson, O.B.E (1958). This “great man of music” [Christchurch Star 1980] graced the world of music during his 90 years, in NZ and Australia especially, as a piano teacher, performer and administrator. He was born Christchurch 9 March 1880 and died in the city 23 June 1970. From age 19 years, when he commenced full-time music teaching, he soon became one of the most sought after teachers of the instrument. Professor ‘Freddy’ Page and Douglas Lilburn were able to take lessons from him during 1934 before he headed to Australia for eight years for economic reasons. He returned early 1944 for the Anniversary Concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of NZ as a nation. This led to the creation of the CCMC for which Ernest was a foundation member and then one of the five honorary vice-presidents from 1947 until his death in 1970. His administrative inspiration expanded with roles such as membership of the NZ Music Teachers Registration Board, including service as its chairman from 1957 to 1960. However, he is best revered as a teacher and influenced the musical lives of so many of NZ’s musicians. Names come to mind such as, Maurice Till, William Hawkey, Professor David Farquhar and Margaret Nielson (both of Victoria University), Professor Malcolm Tait (University of Hawaii), John Jennings, Caroline Lill (chief repetiteur Sydney Opera House), Richard Mapp, Olive Burson, and Ian McDonald (an eminent neurologist in London who befriended musicians from NZ on their big OE’s) and so many more. His last public performance (c. 1960’s) was with the John Ritchie (Professor of Music at Canterbury University) String Orchestra. A young page-turner (whose birthday was also 9 March) fluffed a page turn but Ernest, unflustered, rescued the situation so the concert (which was being broadcast) proceeded as if nothing untoward had happened. Ever encouraging young musicians, he set up the Ernest Empson Scholarship with a modest bequest (augmented by his sister, Stella). It is an unusual competition because the award is not won through contest. Instead, candidates, submit an essay about their prowess and aspirations which are evaluated these days by the CCMC. The monetary amount is modest in keeping with the size of the bequest and limited interest possible and so it can be offered only periodically. However, its value lies more in the tremendous prestige of earning the award remembering one of NZ’s “key masters”. The painting is by Ivy Fife.

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(Affiliates' Journal: issue #3 cont'd 5 Sep 2019) The plains are alive with the sounds of music: Diary the items listed below (they are randomly selected and in no particular order): Share news about your events and stories with the CCMC website & calendar & Affiliates’ Journal. Calendar: secretary@musiccanterbury.co.nz or for the Journal, The Editor rvt@rvt.co.nz Visit musiccanterbury.co.nz/events/ (click entries of interest to read about September and onwards events):

Wednesdays at ONE Your weekly feast of music at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral 373 Manchester Street, under the auspices of CBS Music.

For Jun – Sep 2019 programmes visit www.cathedral.org.nz >wed at one

Sundays & Saturdays at TWO 2.00pm Sun 15 Sep 19, Tony Ferners’ Students; Sat 28 Sep 19 Elizabeth Braggins; www.nutpoint.org Lovely Harmony 2.30

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CCMC AGM You are invited to the Christchurch Civic Music Council Annual General Meeting. Being held in the Music Room of St Andrews College Cnr Normans/Papanui Roads. Come at 6.30pm for socialising and refreshments. The AGM starts at 7.00pm Friday 11th October 2019.

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