These pages will keep track of my travels, my colleagues, my friends, the garden and anything interesting my little digital camera lights upon.

 

 

 

With Beverley Read, prime mover and mainstay of the NZ Music Examinations Board, and a kindred anti-cringe spirit.

 

 

 

With Judith Clark, great teacher, tireless supporter of quality music-making, container of an insatiable thirst for knowledge, and a longtime true friend.

 

 

 

Jenny McLeod explains the finer points of her wonderful song cycle, 'Peaks of Cloud' (cowering singer and pianist just out of shot).

 

 

 

Obviously not the first glass of champagne for Gerald, Diedre and MH.

 

 

 

Malvina is a true star.

 

 

 

Beverley brings a new addition to our happy herd - Tomtom - who has the sweetest nature imaginable.

 

 

 

Fabulous composer and pianist Gao Ping, with his beautiful lady, Wei.

 

 

 

Ngaire, aka Mum, with charming beau, Pat.

 

 

 

My sister Patricia, aka Paddy, with husband John.

 

 

 

Niece Toni, sometime social hand grenade, with her brave uncle.

 

 

 

Violinist Josef Spacek, MH, mega-organiser Anne Rodda, Christine and Michael Hill - oops, Christine Lady Hill and Sir Michael Hill.  Josef has recently taken a position as concertmaster of the Czech Philharmonic - fantastic at his tender age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate (Radio NZ) is delighted, Brigid (NZSO) is not so sure...

 

 

 

...but Euan (CMNZ) takes it all in his elegant stride.

 

 

 

MH, Wilma and Brigid found the winner of the Secondary Schools Chamber Music Contest without tearing each other's throats out.

 

 

 

Michael Steer has misplaced his double bass and is forced to play the 'Trout' on his phone.

 

 

 

Gillian has opted for an off-the-shoulder halo this year.

 

 

 

Doug shows the effects of overdosing on Schubert.

 

 

 

Rolf and Helene are also quite pleased the tour is finally over.

 

 

 

Everything is stoned in Sydney.

 

 

 

This was found floating in Auckland harbour.

 

 

 

Was it callous to photograph Ashley just after he had flung himself from the minstrel's gallery?

 

 

New camera, same nitwit pushing the buttons, but I gave it a practice run around some of my favourite Christchurch spots (only days before the disaster)...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christopher Marshall, music philanthropist and national treasure.

 

 

 

With Keith Lewis, special tenor, after our Christchurch performance of Schubert's extraordinary 'Winterreise'.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A lovely pic of artist and WebMaestro, Quentin Roper, and myself on the occasion of the launch of this website.
Quentin has designed the site, done the brilliant animations and removed my fear of computers (if not my ignorance).
We have enjoyed a few glasses of good wine in the process. Cheers, Quentin!