In 2020 academic and self-confessed music evangelist Bronya Dean stepped into the role of chair of the Bay of Plenty Waikato Opus Orchestra – certainly not an environment she was unfamiliar with, having spent many years studying and working in music and performance in Europe as well as in New Zealand.
In this particular role the Waikato University music lecturer saw opportunity to bring a new vitality to the job – a focus on community education, participation and appreciation for orchestral music to the region.
“As well as enabling the public to experience the richness of the orchestra performance, we are able to provide talented up-and-coming student musicians the opportunity to be a part of a professional orchestra performance.”
“That opportunity is invaluable”, she says.
Bronya’s academic career in early childhood music education has influenced her approach. The Opus Orchestra Trust which she chairs encompasses far more than simply professional orchestra performances.
Opus Orchestra is the professional regional orchestra for the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Founded in 1991 it presents concerts regularly in Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua.
It also oversees an education and outreach programme called Opus Pathways.
Opus Orchestra’s vision is to provide access to high quality musical performance for audiences in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions and the wider Central North Island through a varied programme of music each year.
As well as enabling the public to experience the richness of the orchestra performance, we are able to provide talented up-and-coming student musicians the opportunity to be a part of a professional orchestra performance.” – Bronya Dean
The orchestra contributes to culture in our region by providing performance opportunities for experienced local musicians and younger players, including talented graduates from the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Waikato.
Opus has attracted nationally and internationally recognised musicians as conductors and soloists including Gemma New, Holly Matheson, Simon O’Neill, Michael Houston, Diedre Irons, Bianca Andrew, David Bremner, Samuel Jacobs and Madison Nonoa. Its music director since 2004 has been Peter Walls ONZM and its concertmaster is Lara Hall.
Many young Opus alumni have gone on to stellar professional careers. Cellists Matthias Balzat and Edward King, played in Opus as students, performed with soloists with Opus before establishing international reputations as performers. Double bass players Darija Anzokovich and Alexander Arai-Swaile went from Opus to performing in some of the world’s most renowned orchestras including Les Arts Florissants and the Berlin Philharmonic.
Opus has become renowned for its performances of New Zealand composition. Gareth Farr’s Marimba Concerto was commissioned by Opus for our Principal Percussionist, Yoshiko Tsuruta. Opus recently performed Ross Harris’s Chamber Symphony which he was inspired to write after hearing Opus Orchestra perform his Three Pieces for Orchestra. Opus has also just given the first live performances in Aotearoa of Lyell Cresswell’s Kaea (video recordings of these performances are available through the SOUNZ website).
As an adjunct to the Opus Pathways programme, Opus has been presenting annual family concerts. In 2021 this was Philip Norman’s settings of Margaret Mahy stories and poems with soprano Georgia Jamieson-Emms and baritone Robert Tucker as animateurs.
In 2022 the orchestra performed Jenny McLeod’s Emperor and the Nightingale and the Poulenc Story of Babar with Mark Hadlow as narrator. The 2023 family programme is Hairy Maclary’s Greatest Hits with Jacqui Clarke as presenter and singer.
Opus plays a vital role in the cultural life of the region through collaborations with many high-profile musical entities such as Scholars Baroque Aotearoa, Hamilton Civic Choir, Rotorua District Choir, and the Hamilton Arts Festival.
With the endorsement of the board, Bronya announced the appointment in January 2023 of Gillian Houser as Opus Orchestra’s new general manager. Gillian brings with her a wealth a wealth of experience gained in more than 30 years in general management, performing arts, entertainment, event management, business events, marketing and hospitality.
Professionalism is important to me – I will be seeking support from the commercial sector and generally to increase community engagement. To a degree we will be taking the music to the people.” – Gillian Houser
She previously managed the Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington Town Hall, St James Theatre in Wellington, the Bruce Mason Centre Auckland, and managed hospitality businesses in Australia, and USA. She has owned and operated businesses in NZ and Australia across various industries.
More recently she has held the position of business development manager Bay Venues Ltd and is well-known in the entertainment and business community.
Gillian is passionate about the arts and is excited to be involved in the continuing growth of the Opus Orchestra in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. Working with the chair and board she is keen to increase the community enjoyment and appreciation of quality Classical Music.
“I am relishing the opportunity to work with the orchestra. For me it feels like I’m going back to my roots in a way,” she said.
“Although much of my focus will be on planning, it will also be on promotion with the aim of raising the profile of the Opus Orchestra in the three cities.”
“Professionalism is important to me – I will be seeking support from the commercial sector and generally to increase community engagement. To a degree we will be taking the music to the people.”
Gillian will also be actively seeking new sponsors to help fund the Orchestra’s on-going work. Both Bronya and Gillian are excited by the Orchestra’s 2023 program. The Covid restrictions of the last two years presented unique challenges in performing and working with the community.
“2023 offers a chance to really get moving again,” says Gillian.
The season commences from 17-19 March with performances in Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua. ‘Let your spirit fly’ (Tukua te wairua kia rere) is an Easter themed programme featuring works from Haydn and Mozart, as well as local composers. Performances will also feature conductor Peter Walls and soloist Chalium Poppy (Baritone), as well as performances by Hamilton Civic Choir, Tauranga Civic Choir and Rotorua District Choir.
If you would like to know more about the other 2023 programmes scheduled for May, July and October, go to www.opusorchestra.co.nz.
If you are interested in knowing more about sponsorship opportunities email gillian.houser@opusorchestra.co.nz.
