New Zealand Poets in Song

Anthony Ritchie is a hugely important figure in New Zealand music. Since completing his Ph.D in 1987 he has held
numerous posts over the last 2 decades including Composer in Residence with the Dunedin Sinfonia in 1993 and Senior
Lecturer in composition at the University of Otago. His compositions are numerous and have been performed by all major New Zealand orchestra and ensembles.

In the last 8 years Ritchie has composed a substantial body of chamber music works, including a string quartet, clarinet quintet, piano trio and octet. His short piano quartet entitled Oppositions was performed in Hong Kong at the Asian World Music Days Festival in 2007. The Clarinet Quintet has been performed several times by the NZ String Quartet.

New Zealand Poets In Song is the latest release featuring the music of Anthony Ritchie. The songs on this recording span 26 years, and signify many happy collaborations between Anthony Ritchie and various New Zealand poets.

The works themselves are expertly performed by siblings, soprano Anna Leese and baritone Matthew Leese, accompanied by Tom McGrath. Anna Leese is New Zealand's latest operatic sensation. Her recent EMI recording has thrusted her to
international fame and she has performances scheduled at Covent Garden and Wigmore Hall in the coming months!!!

This collection of songs is perfect for anyone with an interest in New Zealand classical vocal music.