Natalie Hunt has been named the NZSO National Youth Orchestra composer-in-residence. The award was granted to Natalie for her work Only to the Highest Mountain and will be performed by the NZSO National Youth Orchestra at the 50th Anniversary concerts in July.
Natalie, originally from Palmerston North and Hawke's Bay, is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma at the New Zealand School of Music. Natalie Hunt has been named the NZSO National Youth Orchestra composer-in-residence. The award was granted to Natalie for her work Only to the Highest Mountain and will be performed by the NZSO National Youth Orchestra at the 50th Anniversary concerts in July.
Natalie, originally from Palmerston North and Hawke's Bay, is currently studying for a Graduate Diploma at the New Zealand School of Music. She says her compositions stem from eclectic sources and draw on a number of musical traditions:
"The meaning behind "Only to the Highest Mountain" is two-fold; on one hand, it speaks of New Zealand's identity; on the other, it calls for self-worth; 'to thine own self be true'.
"It takes inspiration from New Zealand's greatest role models; those many Kiwis who have stood firm for what they believe and shown the world what amazing strength we New Zealanders have.
"It remembers the journey our forefathers took, be it from Hawaiki, Europe, or other parts of the globe. It recalls too the vision of New Zealand's combined cultures, twisting together in a rope, te taura tangata; growing stronger with aroha and acceptance as we stretch towards eternity."
In addition to having her winning work performed at each of the three 50th Anniversary NZSO NYO concerts, Natalie will be mentored by well-known NZ composer Ross Harris and NZSO NYO 2009 conductor Paul Daniel, and receive the NZSO NYO composer prize of Sibelius music writing software with free training from MusiTech Ltd as well as a subscription to CANZ.
The 2009 jury panel consisted of Ross Harris (award-winning NZ composer), Hamish McKeich (former NZSO contrabassoon and associate conductor), Kenneth Young (composer, conductor and former NZSO tuba player) and Dr Stephen Prock (senior composition lecturer at NZ School of Music).
Natalie will participate in rehearsals of Only to the Highest Mountain when the NZSO NYO meets in July for the 50th Anniversary concerts. She will also attend the public concert performances in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
NZ composer and NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence mentor Ross Harris said:
"The title of Natalie's work, "Only to the Highest Mountain", is a perfect reflection of the continued success of the NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence scheme, now in it's fifth season, and is certainly fitting as a tribute to open this year's 50th Anniversary celebration of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra".
NZSO National Youth Orchestra manager Pascale Parenteau, said: "It's extremely gratifying to see that the NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence scheme has became one of the highlights of the National Youth Orchestra for players and audience alike. Natalie's work will certainly be a terrific opener to the 50th Anniversary concert programme."
Natalie was selected from more than a dozen applicants from all over New Zealand, who each submitted works of a maximum of five minutes.
Principal co-sponsors of the NZSO NYO Composer-in-Residence Award 2009 are MusiTech Ltd (NZ) and Sibelius (UK), supported by APRA, Radio New Zealand Concert, Composers Association of New Zealand (CANZ) and Centre for New Zealand Music (SOUNZ).
26/02/09