One hundred
and seventy people packed into Parklands Social Hall in Waikanae on Saturday 10
October to celebrate the launch of a book about the man called the father of
New Zealand choral music: Peter Godfrey.
Peter
Godfrey, 93, who lives at Parkwood, attended the event along with members of
his family, old friends from all over the country, and a host of eminent
musicians, singers and composers, as well as members of the many choirs he has
conducted over the years including at least three in the Kāpiti area.
The oral
history of his life – Peter Godfrey: Father of New Zealand Choral
Music by Elizabeth Salmon, published by Mākaro Press – was launched to
the singing of madrigals and one of Peter's favourite songs, a grace called
'Oculi Omnium', which he conducted. The crowd stood to sing 'Oculi' in a
resounding four-part harmony, many of them visibly moved by what may be Peter's
last time conducting a large choir.
Peter Averi
ONZM launched the book, talking about the stellar career of a man who has made
music his life and is the only person to have been chorister, choral scholar
and director of music at King’s College, Cambridge. He said that in 1959 Peter
Godfrey brought those exacting standards to choirs in this country, developing
them to international standard.
He
began at St Mary’s Cathedral in Auckland, and went on to conduct the Dorian,
National Youth, Orpheus & Wellington Cathedral choirs, as well as the
Kāpiti choirs. Peter’s influence continues through a new generation of
conductors, and the work of the NZ Choral Federation he established.
The
book draws on conversations with Peter himself, colleagues, friends and pupils
throughout his life – people such as Peter Averi, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Karen
Grylls, David Hamilton and Nick Tipping. Peter also recalls encounters and
friendships with leading figures in the world of music like Ralph Vaughan
Williams and Benjamin Britten.
Author
Elizabeth Salmon was Peter Godfrey's first organ pupil in New Zealand and went
on to be involved in a number of his choirs including the role of assistant
musical director of the Dorian Choir. She lives in Waikanae.
ISBN
978-0-9941065-8-2
Biography
published by Mākaro Press
Paperback
A5, photographs included.
RRP
$40 available at all good bookstores and online
Elizabeth Salmon and Peter Godfrey with the book - Howard Chamberlain photo
Peter Godfrey conducting OCULI OMNIUM credit- Mary McCallum
1 comment:
Peter Godfrey was my prof in the music department at Auckland University in the mid-seventies. What a lovely man, a real gentleman, knowledgeable and kind. I am so glad to see this book about him.
Adrienne Morris, AM Publishing NZ
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