Robert studied at Victoria University, the University of Auckland and Queensland Conservatory of Music. Recent collaborations include An Evening with Simon O’Neill, NZ’s own international Wagnerian star, Kiri and Friends (training the chorus for a concert at Vector Arena as part of the Rugby World Cup, 2011 festival featuring Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra); celebrated New Zealand artist Michael Parekowhai, on the launch of his entry for the Venice Art Biennale, On First Looking Into Chapman’s Homer; The Island Chai concert series with Aivale Cole, Benjamin Makisi, Anna Pierard and Phil Rhodes at the Auckland Museum, a concert for the union heads of the Rugby World Cup, 2011. He was artistic director of the V8 Vocal Ensemble, training the group for two performances of Berio’s Sinfonia with James Judd and the NZSO. Robert was formerly conductor of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir and voice clinician for the New Zealand Youth Choir and VOICES New Zealand Chamber Choir.
Nick Tipping is a broadcaster, musician, and jazz specialist based in Wellington. He holds a PhD in Musicology, focusing on the New Zealand jazz scene, and has performed extensively as a bassist with ensembles ranging from the NZSO and The Kugels to The Jac and the Rodger Fox Big Band. A three-time winner of the Best Jazz Artist award at the Aotearoa Music Awards, Nick also has a lifelong passion for choral music, having grown up in a family of choral musicians and performed in choirs from an early age. He is passionate about music education and outreach. Since 2018, Nick has been the daytime host on RNZ Concert, where he champions New Zealand music.
Despite having a lifelong relationship with music, Catherine’s first career choice was Occupational Therapy, which she practised for 20 years both in New Zealand and the UK. Through a wide range of professional opportunities, Catherine has developed a holistic, empowering, person centred approach with a strong understanding of the importance of overall wellbeing and individual agency. A career shift in 2018 opened the door for Catherine to explore her engagement with music. She is a capable pianist and enthusiastic classical singer. She believes strongly that everyone has a place in music and works for Auckland’s largest group of community choirs All Together Now as an Assistant Choir Leader and Wellbeing Advisor. She founded a choir for upper voices at one of Auckland’s largest secondary schools, has organise music competitions and had a variety of roles with Trinity College of Music. She is a regular performer and programme organiser for Auckland Art Song and Lieder. Combining her passion for music and her considerable professional skills, Catherine has found herself uniquely suited to the role of Wellbeing Advisor for Academy Choir.
Born, raised, and living in Auckland, Eloise has been an avid singer and musician for many years. Eloise is currently studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Vocal Performance under Morag Atchison. Prior to university Eloise attended St Cuthbert’s College, singing and performing with multiple groups at the school competing in Big Sing Finale, performing in school shows, and taking part in many other music events during her time at the college.
Born, raised, and living in Auckland, Eloise has been an avid singer and musician for many years. Eloise is currently studying a Bachelor of Music majoring in Classical Vocal Performance under Morag Atchison. Prior to university Eloise attended St Cuthbert’s College, singing and performing with multiple groups at the school competing in Big Sing Finale, performing in school shows, and taking part in many other music events during her time at the college.
Anna graduated from the University of Otago in November 2003, with a first class honours degree in music. In 2006 she graduated from the Benjamin Britten International Opera School at the Royal College of Music, London, and won the Queen Elizabeth Rosebowl, which was presented by HRH Prince Charles in 2007.
See our feature on Tecwyn’s career development from NZSSC member to international conductor based in Sweden.
New Zealand-born conductor Tecwyn Evans studied composition and conducting at the University of Otago under Associate Professor Jack Speirs. A Fulbright Scholarship enabled him to continue his studies at the University of Lawrence, Kansas under Brian Priestman and Simon Carrington. Sir Andrew Davis appointed him Chorus Master at Glyndebourne Festival Opera making his operatic debut conducting La Bohème on the Glyndebourne tour. After Tecwyn was a finalist in the 2005 Leeds’ Conducting Competition he has had successful relationships with the BBC Philharmonic, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and the BBC Singers alongside varied orchestral, choral, and operatic work across 10 countries. From 2009-2011 Tecwyn was Erste Kapellmeister und Stellvertreter des Chef Dirigenten at Grazer Oper, and was appointed Director of Music for Danish National Opera in 2018. He has appeared at the BBC Proms, at the Musikverein in Vienna, and worked alongside artists such as Anthony Marwood, Paul Watkins, Bryn Terfel, Nicola Bennedetti, Chloë Hanslip and Steven Isserlis and given world premieres by Sir John Tavener, Anthony Ritchie and Ross Harris among others. In New Zealand Tecwyn has appeared with all the major orchestras and arts organisations.
