School of Performing Arts, University of Otago

05/06/2026

🎸 Friday Staff Profile: Stephen Stedman
Te Koro Koro Studio Manager

Hear that track in the University’s new campaign? If it sounds familiar, you might’ve known it decades ago.

'Bonvena' – is a surf-rock instrumental by Dunedin band 'Glovepuppet, from their 1992 album 'Someone Else’s Dream'. Stephen (guitar/vocals) helped write it in one practice session.

🎛️ Recorded at Radio One, 91FM
🍜 Named after a sign in the Museum Café (Esperanto for “welcome”)
📺 Became the theme song for TV2’s 'Squeeze' (1998–2002)
🎓 Now featured in Otago’s undergraduate campaign – following The Clean’s 'Tally Ho'!

Written in an afternoon, named over lunch, still making waves 30+ years later.

You’re welcome. 🙌

01/06/2026

🎶 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 goes live in just 1 week!

🔔 Turn on notifications and follow us so you don't miss the link to register.

29/05/2026

🎭 Romeo and Juliet, but make it Dunedin. 💔

The iconic Globe Theatre Dunedinwas the perfect backdrop for this stunning production, directed by the talented Brent Caldwell.

And yes—our very own students were on that stage too. ✨

Another brilliant example of the powerful connection between our School of Performing Arts and the local community. So proud to see our talent shining in spaces like this.

👏 Bravo to all involved!

27/05/2026

🎭 Huge congratulations to everyone involved in 'Sister Act with Musical Theatre Dunedin! 🙌

From the School of Performing Arts, we had students, grads, and staff shining both on stage AND behind the scenes—whether in the cast, the band, or as part of the creative team. 👏🎶

What a spectacular success. So proud of this whānau! ✨

Tag yourself in this and share your success.

25/05/2026

🎶 100 years of music education at the University of Otago! 🎂✨

That's a century of inspiring education, voices, instruments, and unforgettable performances. 🎵

Join us as we celebrate this incredible milestone this September.
📅 Centenary celebration event registration goes live in just 2 weeks!

🔔 Turn on notifications and follow us so you don't miss the link to register.

24/05/2026

🎭 A selection of photos from our weekly Lunchtime Theatre series in Allen Hall Theatre – where creativity meets the stage, and where our performance students learn by doing. 🎬✨

Interested in making theatre a part of YOUR studies?
📩 DM us or drop a comment below to find out more about the courses behind the curtain

👇 **Comment "INFO" and we’ll send you the details!**

20/05/2026

What a night to remember. 💫

We are bursting with pride — more than a dozen of our students and staff took part in a monumental performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 ‘Resurrection’, performed with the NZSO and DSO, alongside City Choir Dunedin for their 60th anniversary.

The evening was magic: outstanding soloists Anna Leese Soprano (soprano) and Deborah Humble (mezzo-soprano), conducted by Maestro James Judd.

Special recognition to

🎻 Concertmaster: Tessa Petersen
🎻 Principal & Co-Principal Cello: Heleen du Plessis

Our wind and brass teachers, Emily Sterk Clarinet, Nick Cornish Oboe and Neil Favell Horn.
Organ tutor David Burchell.
And our wonderful students on stage:

✨ Orla Dunlop, Michelle Brown (1st Violin)
✨ Bertil Feng, Dan Walker, Skyla Murray (2nd Violin)
✨ Cameron Monteith, Grace Shaw (Viola)
✨ Portia Bell (Cello)
✨ Ben Walker (Trombone)
✨ Mei Admiraal (Trumpet)
✨ Aubane Farcy, Clara Satherley, Emanuel Nolden, Nikhil Rawat (Choir)
✨ Alex Burchell 2nd Percussion

This is what music education and community sound like. 🎶

"During the thunderous prolonged applause and standing ovation, I pondered that this must have been the most epic event, in the classical musical tradition, that the Town Hall had ever experienced. This concert was nothing but extraordinary — no doubt the jewel in Dunedin's classical musical crown."
— Otago Daily Times

18/05/2026

✨ Incredible night at Ziggy’s Glam Rock Extravaganza! ✨

On May 15, the Mayfair Theatre in Dunedin was absolutely electric. A crowd of over 300 amazing people made this show truly unique The stage was set for full-on audience participation – and you all delivered! 🙌💥

Alongside the The Oxo Cubans NZ, the show featured staff past and present:

🎤 Dr. Glam – aka Dr. Ian Chapman (our legendary past staff member)
🎤 Phoebe Ventura – aka Arlie McCormick (Senior Professional Practice Fellow)
🎤 Sparkles Duffre – aka David Harrison (Senior Teaching Fellow)
🎤 Sage Rockside – aka Harrison Marshall (current 3rd-year student)

The audience brought the glitter, the energy, and the rock 'n' roll magic.

18/05/2026

Congratulations Cameron

Congratulations to Cameron Monteath, who we're announcing today as the recipient of The Piano Christopher's Classics Commission. Alongside our friends at The Piano, we're really looking forward to hearing what Cameron comes up with. His new work, 'Recollection', will take harmonic and sound-world influences from wind and piano works by Mozart and Walter Gieseking, which will be performed alongside Cameron's piece by some of Ōtautahi's finest wind players. ⁠
⁠
Head to our website to learn all about Cameron and his plans for a new clarinet, bassoon and piano trio inspired by childhood memories of rural Canterbury! https://sounz.org.nz/news/cameron-monteath-piano

13/05/2026

This is on today

The NZSO Foundation presents masterclasses for aspiring musicians. Watch the next generation of performers learn from NZSO featured artists and discover more about the wonderful instruments of the symphony orchestra.