Experimental musician announced as Composer-in-Residence 2018

Victoria University of Wellington's New Zealand School of Music (Te Kōkī) has announced composer, performer and sound artist, Antonia Barnett-McIntosh, as the 2018 Creative New Zealand/Jack C. Richards Composer-in-Residence.

Antonia Barnett-McIntosh

Antonia’s experimental instrumental and vocal compositions involve sound gestures, their translation and adaptation, speech, text transcriptions and field recordings. She has collaborated extensively with musicians, theatre and filmmakers, dancers, visual artists and poets.

Antonia studied composition at Victoria University, receiving a First Class Honours Bachelor of Music with Distinction and a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2006. In 2010, she graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London with a Master of Music in Composition.

She was Composer-in-Residence with Hubbub Group at the Wellcome Collection in London. Her work has been performed in New Zealand, Europe, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and the United States.

New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) Composition Programme Director Michael Norris says: “The strength of Antonia’s music and the innovative nature of her practice is exciting. She is directed and ambitious and hasn’t waited for opportunities to come to her—there are few graduates who have been able to make a freelance career for themselves overseas. It is exciting that Antonia will be able to mentor our students.”

Antonia will move to Wellington in July 2018 to take up residence in the former Thorndon home of celebrated New Zealand composer the late Douglas Lilburn. She will be the NZSM’s fifteenth composer-in-residence.

During her time at the NZSM, Antonia will compose a number of works, including a piece for spoken voice and ensemble, and another using field recordings and live-transcribed interviews.

“I am simply thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity to come back to New Zealand and compose for a year, returning to the music school where I studied,” Antonia says.

“I've been working on some new concepts in my practice recently and the Composer in Residence position will give me the time and space to consolidate these through creating new compositions and performances. I'm very excited to spend time in Wellington, to be challenged and inspired by the University environment and community, to collaborate with local musicians, artists and venues, to develop projects for interdisciplinary work, and to contribute to the culture of the residency by hosting concerts and events," she says.