“This Award is the ultimate accolade, recognising Jack Body’s extraordinary contribution to the arts in New Zealand,” says Euan Murdoch, Director of Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), where Jack taught for three decades until his retirement in 2009. Jack is the first New Zealand composer and the first Victoria University staff member to receive the Award, which honours senior New Zealand artists who have had a significant impact on their chosen art form.
“Jack’s prolific creative output has challenged and inspired us and music-lovers around the world for several generations. His fearless originality and entrepreneurial acumen have helped to establish a new musical paradigm in this country as part of the Asia-Pacific,” says Euan.
Many of New Zealand’s leading performers have been influenced by Jack’s work and teaching. “Jack, along with Douglas Lilburn, who also taught at NZSM, has made Victoria University a mecca for New Zealand composers—creating a legacy that can still be seen in the School today.”
Jack’s research areas included composition, especially cross-cultural composition, New Zealand Music Studies and ethnomusicology. He introduced the exotic sounds of Asia and the gamelan to Wellington and New Zealand audiences, often incorporating them into his compositions.
The Icon Award was officially announced at Victoria University at the launch of the book Jack! Celebrating Jack Body, Composer, published by Steele Roberts, a presentation of Jack’s life, work and influence. Jack, who has terminal cancer, was presented his award in hospice.
Jack received an Arts Foundation Laureate Award in 2004 and is the first Laureate to go on to receive an Icon Award.