Honour in Paris for N.Z. composer

Press, 19 June 1979, Page 22

Honour in Paris for N.Z. composer

A New Zealander, Lyell Cresswell, is the composer Of “WA,” one of the 13 recommended works presented at this year’s International Rostrum of Composers in Paris. “WA,” for trombone, precussion and electronic tape, was written in 1977 for the trombonist, Jim Fulkerson, who recorded the work with the New Zealand Symphony Orches t r a percussionist, Gary Brain. The title was chosen for various reasons. It is a pun arising from the sound of the trombone and the use of the “Wawa” mute, and it also suggests the direct nature of the piece. But the most important reason for its choice lay in the literal meaning of the ward “w.a.” It is the Maori word for “time,” and this concept is a major element in the piece. Lyell Cresswell graduated bachelor of music with honours from Victoria University in 1968, and continued his education in Canada and Scotland, where he completed a Ph.D in music at Aberdeen University in 1974. During the next two years he studied electronic music at the Institute of Sonology at Utrecht, and later he returned to Scotland to work at the Electronic Music Studio at Galsgow University. He is now musical director at the chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff. The International Rostrum of Composers is under the auspices of U.N.E.S.C.O.’s Music Council, and is attended by representatives of radio oragnisations throughout the world. Because all works submitted are made available to all these organisations, the International Rostrum is one of the most far-reaching competitions available for contemporary composers. Radio New Zealand — and the N.Z.B.C. before it —-

has entered works by NewZealand composers for a number of years. Another prize-winning composition by Lyell Cresswell will be given its New Zealand concert debut by the New Zealand

Symphony Orchestra in July. “SALM” won the lan Whyte Memorial Prize in Scotland, and its premiere

performance was given earlier this year by the Scottish National Orchestra.