SOUNZtender - a unique fundraiser

Have you ever wanted to commission a work and been too afraid to ask?
Well this is your opportunity. Five fabulous composers are offering their creative talents to SOUNZ in a unique fundraiser.

At noon on 14 May, bidding will open for five works by the previous winners of the SOUNZ Contemporary Award: Eve de Castro-Robinson, Chris Gendall, Ross Harris, John Psathas and Gillian Whitehead.

Lloyd Williams, chair of the SOUNZ Board comments, “May is New Zealand Music Month and five wonderful New Zealand composers have each agreed to write a new work for the successful bidders.  We don’t believe this has ever been done in New Zealand before.”

The bidding will conclude at 12 noon on 31 May - the last day of New Zealand Music Month.

And what will you be bidding for?

The successful bidders will have the opportunity to work with the composer they have chosen and discuss the content of the piece, name the work and suggest the instrument or voice for which the work will be composed.  They will receive a performance and recording of the piece by a leading New Zealand performer, exclusive rights to performances for a year, and a presentation copy of the score signed by the composer.

“Of course, it’s a bit nerve-wracking for the composers," says Eve de Castro-Robinson, "We aren’t used to being in direct competition with each other, but it’s such a good cause and is likely to offer some really interesting creative ideas. Perhaps I’ll be asked to write for bagpipes!”

Lloyd Williams concludes, "This is a rare opportunity for people to mark a special event in their lives or to honour an exceptional person or organisation while supporting New Zealand music and the work of SOUNZ."

Find out more about the composers.

Find out how to tender and the benefits you will receive.

Follow the progress of the bidding which opens at noon on 14 May.