Peter Watts is one of New Zealand’s leading conductors, being particularly experienced in the area of choral music. He has been involved with choirs throughout his life.
- As a student under Sir David Willcocks and Benjamin Britten
- Sang in internationally-acclaimed Dorian Choir for many years, toured with them to the UK and Europe twice, acted as deputy director and guest conductor on many occasions
- Founder member and for 10 years director of Orlando Singers who broadcast regularly
- Founded and directs the 6-part vocal ensemble Calico Jam whose eclectic repertoire includes anything from jazz to music of the Middle Ages
- For 20 years Musical Director of Auckland Choral, New Zealand's longest-established choir, and with them conducted much of the repertoire for large choir and orchestra with leading New Zealand soloists and orchestras, making numerous radio broadcasts and 2 CDs
- For 9 years Assistant Conductor of the NZ National Youth Choir and travelled with them to North America, Australia, Europe and the UK. He can be heard conducting them on their CD Choir of the World
- Has conducted choirs throughout New Zealand and guest conducted choirs in the UK
- Regularly takes workshops in New Zealand and throughout the Pacific
- Adjudicates frequently at Choral festivals
- Examines internationally for Trinity College London
- In 2005 Peter was awarded MNZM for services to Choral Music
Peter is available for Choral Workshops and private coaching which can be tailored to meet your particular demands, for example
- Repertoire
- Interpretation
- Vocal development
- Musicianship skills development
- Conducting skills training
- A day of inspiring music-making
Peter has a wide knowledge of both large and small-scale choral repertoire. Contact him
ACCOMPANYING: As a pianist, Peter has had wide experience of working with singers. Recent collaborations have included acclaimed performances of Schumann’s Dichterliebe and Schubert’s Winterreise, both with the Scottish tenor David Hamilton as well as with a variety of Auckland soloists and duo Two’s Company. He also works regularly with NZ Opera.
With piano duet partner, Kay Shacklock, Peter has recently been involved in performances of Brahms’ Requiem, Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, and Schubert’s magnificent Fantasy in F minor.