School of Performing Arts, University of Otago

School of Performing Arts, University of Otago We offer degree programmes in Music, Theatre, Performing Arts, Dance and Postgraduate study pathways

It was a weekend of creativity and collaboration! The Composers Association of NZ successfully hosted their annual Compo...
06/09/2026

It was a weekend of creativity and collaboration!
The Composers Association of NZ successfully hosted their annual Composers Workshop at Marama Hall last weekend.

We were thrilled to bring this event to Otago for the first time with mentors Maddy Parkins-Craig, Peter Adams, and Anthony Ritchie.

Here is a snapshot of a new composition in the works, with the talented Portia Bell and Ellen Walters on cellos. A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made this such a memorable event!

Lucky Po***ck’s, original orchestral composition won the NZ nomination to represent New Zealand at the 2026 ISCM (Intern...
04/09/2026

Lucky Po***ck’s, original orchestral composition won the NZ nomination to represent New Zealand at the 2026 ISCM (International Society for Contemporary Music) Festival in Romania, from 6 already established and up and coming NZ composers: John Psathas, Eve de Castro Robinson, Reuban Jelleyman, Luka Venter, Salina Fisher, Lucky Po***ck.

Lucky’s composition resilience (pluto trine Saturn) was performed in May, at the ISCM World New Music Days 2026 in Bucharest.

Their selection highlights both artistic merit and the strength of New Zealand’s creative sector on the world stage.

At just 25, the fiercely original Lucky is already making an impact across genres – from contemporary classical orchestral and chamber music and electronic sound art and experimental music.
This international recognition is a huge step in their creative journey and a proud moment for Aotearoa’s music community.

🎶 100 years of music education at the University of Otago! 🎂✨That's a century of inspiring voices, instruments, and unfo...
31/08/2026

🎶 100 years of music education at the University of Otago! 🎂✨
That's a century of inspiring voices, instruments, and unforgettable performances. 🎵
Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone this September.
📅 Centenary celebration event registration is open
🔔 Turn on notifications and follow us
🚨 register here
https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026

🎶 Centenary Celebrations Spotlight: Meet The Cleos! 🎶We’re shining a light on one of our freshest talents—The Cleos! 🌟Th...
31/08/2026

🎶 Centenary Celebrations Spotlight: Meet The Cleos! 🎶

We’re shining a light on one of our freshest talents—The Cleos! 🌟

This five-piece folk-rock band formed right here in our Contemporary Music Performance programme earlier in 2025, and they’re already making waves in the student scene. Their sound is as unique as it is captivating.

Think dreamy vocals, groovy beats, and songwriting that keeps you guessing—The Cleos blend country, folk-rock, and indie influences into something totally their own. And the best part? They’re still students, bringing a bold, fresh energy to contemporary music that you won’t want to miss.

Catch them during our Centenary Celebrations and see what all the buzz is about! 🎸✨

The Cocker Concert and LuthaA conversation with Garry McAlpine, Tim Hazledine, and Graham Wardrop Wednesday 30th Septemb...
30/08/2026

The Cocker Concert and Lutha

A conversation with Garry McAlpine, Tim Hazledine, and Graham Wardrop

Wednesday 30th September, 11:00am
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Dunedin

https://events.humanitix.com/the-cocker-concert-and-lutha

The University of Otago's School of Performing Arts, along with the department of Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies, and the department of Media, Film and Communication, would like to announce The Cocker Concert and Lutha, part of our Behind The Music symposium. See here for details:

https://www.tekorokorootetui.com/behind-the-music

Jeff Harford leads three key figures from Dunedin’s 1970s music scene on a journey back in time. Garry MacAlpine (vocals, percussion) and Graham Wardrop (vocals, lead guitar), both members of Lutha, the band making waves across New Zealand a decade before the Dunedin Sound, join pianist and musical director Tim Hazledine to revisit the legendary 1972 Otago University tribute to Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Together, they reflect on the songs and the performances that captivated audiences in both Dunedin and Auckland, contributing to a new era of Music in Dunedin.

Join Garry, Graham, Tim, and Jeff in the Toitū auditorium at 11:00am on Wednesday 30th September. Free entry. Register here.

🎭 AUDITIONS FOR 2027 ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🎭 Calling all musicians—whether you vibe with Contemporary instruments or liv...
27/08/2026

🎭 AUDITIONS FOR 2027 ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🎭

Calling all musicians—whether you vibe with Contemporary instruments or live for the Classical repertoire, we’ve got space for YOU. 🎸🎻🎹

This is your moment to shine. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—apply now and secure your place in the 2027 season!

📍 Contact us for details.
Tag a musician who needs to see this! 👇

🎉 Huge congratulations to Alisha Rong Zhang! 🎶As of September 17th, she’ll officially hold a Doctorate of Musical Arts i...
25/08/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to Alisha Rong Zhang! 🎶

As of September 17th, she’ll officially hold a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Classical Vocal Performance—and her dissertation title is nothing short of groundbreaking:

"The Localisation of Bel Canto in Chinese National Vocal Music Through a Coloratura Soprano Lens: Enhancing and Preserving National Vocal Music Identity”

A brilliant blend of tradition, voice, and cultural preservation. 👏

We wish you all the best as you pursue an academic position in vocal performance. The world of voice is lucky to have you, Dr. Zhang! 🎵✨

🎹 Workshop Spotlight: Centenary Celebrations Join us on Friday, 25th September for a profound personal reflection from ...
25/08/2026

🎹 Workshop Spotlight: Centenary Celebrations

Join us on Friday, 25th September for a profound personal reflection from Abhinath Berry—one of our most distinguished recent Music Programme graduates—on the demands and expectations of high-level international training.

As both a pianist and composer, Abhinath has graced prestigious London concert series this year and recently performed for the Wagner Society. Currently completing his Masters in Solo Piano Performance at the Guildhall School, he brings a wealth of experience and insight.

🎶 Facilitated by Terence Denis
📍 Council Chamber, Clock Tower

Don’t miss this intimate conversation on excellence, resilience, and the journey of a musician.



Register here;
https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026

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145 Union Street East
Dunedin
9016

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
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Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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