Keith Statham 1934 - 2012

We are very saddened to mark the passing of Auckland composer Keith Statham, who died last Wednesday after a courageous battle with cancer.

Keith moved to New Zealand in 2000 following a varied career in the music industry, including serving as Director of the Hong Kong Arts Festival from 1980 - 87.  He returned to composing after a twenty year break, releasing a CD of his chamber works, ...of wine and roses in 2011, which stayed at the top of Radio New Zealand Concert's classical charts for several weeks.

In 2011 Keith began his generous sponsorship of the Statham Award for the Best Performance of a New Zealand Work in the Chamber Music Contest.  The award is offered at  15 District Contests held around the country in June, and at a National Final in August.  The award has given SOUNZ and Chamber Music New Zealand the opportunity to introduce New Zealand chamber music to young performers and their teachers, and we have been honoured to receive Keith's support for this project.

Keith's funeral will be held in Auckland on Saturday 2 June at 1.30pm at The All Saints Chapel, Purewa Cemetery, 100 St John's Road, Meadowbank.