Foundation appoints Musical Advisor
Posted on 20 December 2010
For some time Dame Kiri had felt that the Foundation needed be able to react quicker to assess opportunities to support talented New Zealand singers. She believed that there was a need for another pair of experienced NZ ears/eyes in the UK to help quickly assess the singers coming through to ascertain if they have what it takes to make it at the highest international level – and consequently are deserving of Foundation support and mentoring.
To rectify this problem Kiri proposed that the Foundation appointed Peter Lockwood as its Musical Advisor in the UK.
Peter is a New Zealander with an international reputation as a repetiteur and accompanist. He was previously with the music staff of Theatre Royal de la Monnaie (Brussels) and Scottish Opera before accepting his current position with Netherlands Opera in 1993. He works regularly with young singers at the start of their careers and has given master classes and courses for young singers and repetiteurs in Belgium, Holland, Germany, United Kingdom and the United States. He has extensive experience of the European operatic scene and knowledge of exactly what the profession expects from those that wish to enter it.
Peter’s role is to act as a central liaison point between Dame Kiri, the Foundation and the students/young professionals who have received grants from the Foundation. He will also be able to assess NZ singers studying in the UK and be available to provide career advice and local knowledge about the music colleges.