Chamber Music New Zealand

Extract

One of New Zealand’s largest and most progressive arts promoters. It was founded in 1950, based in Wellington, and in 1987 changed from a federation of autonomous societies to a centralized organization. Its principal purpose is to present chamber music concerts by international and New Zealand artists. Concert series are presented in nine major centres, as well as concerts in a further 25 cities and towns, and a contemporary music series in a more limited number of venues. Since the 1960s it has produced a newsletter, Theme. The organization has changed its name four times to reflect the scope of its work, becoming Chamber Music New Zealand in 1992.

In 1970 it initiated an extensive programme of concerts in schools. It also runs the Westpac School Music Contest for young ensembles and composers, which has been held annually since 1965. A practice of presenting New Zealand artists as well as those from overseas was adopted from the beginning, and in ...