A heritage of New Zealand musical composition available online

A collection of New Zealand musical scores and CDs are now available globally thanks to the launch of Wai-te-ata Music Press’ online store.

Michael Norris sitting at a grand piano.

The Press is an initiative of Victoria University of Wellington’s Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music (NZSM).

Originally established by composer Douglas Lilburn in 1967, The Press was—and continues to be today—a non-profit venture for publishing the music of New Zealand composers to professional printing standards.

The online store has about 300 items in its catalogue, with works dating from the 1930s up to the present day

Wai-te-ata Music Press Editor and NZSM senior lecturer Michael Norris says that as well as ease of purchase, the online store adds other benefits for performers, composers and music lovers.

“Prospective purchasers can look at a score first, or listen to musical extracts, before buying, which greatly helps their purchasing decision.”

Previously the Press’s collection was little-known outside of New Zealand but in the last few months since the online store was opened, overseas orders have been picking up.

The collection includes scores by over 70 composers spanning several generations including Lilburn, David Farquhar, Edwin Carr and the late Jack Body. A new wave of emerging composers is also represented.

There are 13 CDs in the collection and the Press is partnering with Victoria’s CD label Rattle Records to identify future releases that can be matched with published scores.

The Press has an artistic advisory board of senior New Zealand composers who provide feedback, advice and quality assurance on the selection of works to be published.

For more see: Wai-te-ata Music Press.