In this series, we present our new composers. We are proud to introduce Camryn Nel.
Please tell us about yourself and what you do.
I am a composer, performer, and teacher based in Tāmaki Makaurau. I was raised in Taupō, where I was trained in contemporary and jazz guitar. I began playing timpani and percussion when I moved to Auckland to study composition and economics.
As a performer, I’m a timpanist and percussionist. I have played for ensembles such as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Manukau Symphony Orchestra, NZSO National Youth Orchestra, and the Auckland Youth Orchestra.
I began studying composition at the University of Auckland in 2018, studying under the tutelage of Leonie Holmes, Eve de Castro-Robinson, and Chris Gendall. In 2022 I finished an honours degree in composition. I am currently the Young Composer in Residence for the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Please choose 2-3 of your works/albums and tell us about them.
In 2022 I wrote a Trio for Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, and Piano. This work was performed at the 2022 Douglas Lilburn composition competition, where the work received third place. The last movement of this was then adapted for the 2023 Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra Summer School concert.
In 2021 I completed the work Tears of Light for SSAATTBB choir. The text was written by fellow composer/performer and close friend Takerei Komene. This work was performed at the 2021 Douglas Lilburn Composition Competition, where it received second place. It was also a commended work in the 2021 Compose Aotearoa Composition Competition.
What are you working on at the moment?
Since the beginning of 2022, I have been working on my first symphony. This has been a project I have been eager to start for most of my undergraduate studies. My honors degree allowed me the freedom to begin the work under the supervision of Leonie and Chris. The work will likely be finished near the end of this year.