Biography

After graduating with MMus(1st class hons) from The University of Auckland in 1985, Leonie was appointed Composer-in-Residence at the Nelson School of Music in 1986, and in 1989 took up the position of Composer-in-Schools in the Auckland region. As a result of this appointment she developed a special interest in music education, and has spent many years combining composition and private teaching with the teaching of creative music in schools. She has written many pieces for student performing groups, which are performed regularly around New Zealand.

She was awarded the CANZ Trust Fund for Compositional Development in 1991, a Certificate for Contribution to Music in the Auckland Region from the NZSO and Symphony Friends in 1993, and the Philip Neill Memorial Prize in Composition, University of Otago in 2001. Leonie was a member of the Composers Committee, Centre for New Zealand Music (SOUNZ) 1996-1997, co-ordinator of the Nelson Composers Workshop in 2001-2002, and a committee member of the Composers Association of New Zealand (CANZ) from 2000 – 2004. Composer residencies include a year as Composer-in-Residence with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra in 1997, and the Manukau City Symphony Orchestra in 2005. She is currently lecturer in Composition and Music Studies at the University of Auckland.

Recent performances of her compositions include: Is there anybody in there, for Ben Hoadley and the New Zealand Music for Woodwind concert series, The Fourth Station for solo cello, Stations of the Cross Exhibition, Gus Fisher Gallery, Kenneth Meyers Centre, Auckland, Fragment for String Quartet, for the Jade String Quartet, Ancient Rhythms for Orchestra NZSO-SOUNZ Readings, and Frond for Orchestra, NZSO Asia Pacific Festival, Wellington. Upcoming performances in May 2011 include The Journey, for massed choir and orchestra, Auckland Town Hall and Telstra Pacific Events Centre, Manukau, A Tedious Brief Scene: Bottom’s Dance for 2 pianos 4 hands for the Estrella Quartet, and Through Coiled Stillness for the University of Auckland Chamber choir.

Selected Works

• Publications (2)
• Works (43)
• Awards (9)
• Media On Demand (4)