Recipient of prestigious KBB/CANZ citation for services to New Zealand music announced

One of New Zealand’s top clarinettists is about to receive a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to New Zealand music.

Andrew Uren will be presented with the 2009 KBB/CANZ (Composers Association of New Zealand) Citation for Services to New Zealand music at Auckland University’s School of Music on Saturday 7th March.

“It is an exciting opportunity to acknowledge the work that Andrew has done over the years for New Zealand music,” says Glenda Keam, President of the Composers Association of New Zealand. “Not only does Andrew encourage Kiwi composers to write music for clarinets, he also promotes the music enthusiastically, performing and recording these works widely in New Zealand and overseas.”

The KBB/CANZ Citation for Services to New Zealand music, sponsored by musical instrument retailer KBB Music since 1991, is presented annually to an individual or organization in recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment to New Zealand composition.

“I’m very pleased to be presenting this year’s award to Andrew,” says Alan Kemp, Managing Director of KBB Music. “Andrew’s dedication to New Zealand music and innovative teaching to our younger generation over the years make him a deserving recipient.”

Uren is an Auckland-based clarinettist, bass clarinet specialist and teacher who is dedicated to promoting New Zealand music. He has commissioned and premiered works by New Zealand composers Helen Bowater, Phil Brownlee, Rachel Clement, Chris Cree Brown, Lyell Cresswell, Phil Dadson, James Gardner, Neville Hall, Dylan Lardelli, Lissa Meridan, Michael Norris, John Psathas, John Rimmer, John Elmsly, and Chris Watson.

As a clarinet teacher since 1989, Andrew encourages his students to be aware of New Zealand music. He also directs clarinet choirs, wind ensembles and concert bands in schools and local communities. Andrew freelances with all major orchestras in New Zealand and is a founding member of the contemporary ensemble 175 East which was awarded the 2003 Citation for Services to New Zealand Music.

“Andrew has a rare commitment to playing not only the music of our time, but also the music of New Zealand composers," says James Gardner, director of 175 East and a New Zealand composer. “Andrew is a genuine pleasure to work with and 175 East just wouldn’t be the same without his enormous enthusiasm, unflagging energy, good humour, extraordinary dedication and musicianship, which is of the highest order.”

Andrew is also the founder of the New Zealand Clarinet Society and the New Zealand representative of the International Clarinet Society. He represented New Zealand at the inaugural Bass Clarinet Convention in Rotterdam.

Upon completing his Bachelor of Music Performance with Honours at the University of Auckland with Peter Scholes, Andrew furthered his studies with bass clarinettist Harry Sparnaay at Sweelinck Conservatorium, Amsterdam, graduating with a post-graduate Uitvoerend Musicus.

Andrew and his wife, Katherine Hebley, form the KAHU Ensemble which gives recitals throughout New Zealand, England and in Fiji. In 2003, the KAHU Ensemble performed and recorded Anthony Ritchie’s Double Concerto for cello and bass clarinet with the Auckland Chamber Orchestra. Andrew is currently recording a CD of New Zealand music which features both the clarinet and bass clarinet.

Past recipients of the KBB/CANZ Citation for Services to New Zealand music include Jenny McLeod, Gillian Whitehead, Karen Grylls, Douglas Lilburn, Jack Body, David Farquhar, Margaret Neilsen, Ross Harris, John Ritchie, William Southgate, John Rimmer, Philip Norman, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, 175 East, Waiteata Music Press, among others.

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Notes to Editors

Presentation of the KBB/CANZ Citation for Services to New Zealand Music to Andrew Uren will be made by Alan Kemp, Managing Director of KBB Music at the Auckland University School of Music, Building 250, 6 Symonds Street, Auckland on Saturday 7 March 2009 at 1pm.

Andrew Uren is currently a clarinet teacher at the following schools and universities:
St Cuthbert’s College
Takapuna Grammar School
Birkenhead College
Sacred Heart College
Botany Downs Secondary College
Auckland University School of Music
Waikato University

CANZ (Composers Association of New Zealand) is an organization of professional and amateur composers as well as other supportive institutions that:
§ Maintain contact with organizations such as SOUNZ (The Centre for NZ Music), New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Concert FM, RIANZ, Creative New Zealand, APRA and the Government.
§ Are members of international organizations to provide opportunities for international exposure and ensure New Zealand’s presence at international festivals.
§ Make financial and administrative contributions to national events.
§ Maintains a website of useful information for composers (www.canz.net.nz)
§ Provide a network of contacts for getting involved in the New Zealand composition community amongst others.
Website: www.canz.net.nz
Contact: Dr Glenda Keam, CANZ President, gkeam@unitec.ac.nz, 09 815-4321 ext 5053

KBB Music is one of New Zealand’s most well-established musical instrument specialists since 1888. Apart from servicing the country’s musical talents with the New Zealand’s largest selection of brass and woodwind instruments as well as a team of expert technicians, KBB Music also fosters the growth of New Zealand’s music community by sponsoring and supporting:

§ CANZ/KBB Music Citation to Services to New Zealand music
§ KBB Music Festival www.kbbmusicfestival.co.nz
§ KBB Midwest Clinic Scholarship for New Zealand Music Directors
§ New Zealand Concert Band Festivals
§ New Zealand Brass Band National Championships www.bbanz.org.nz
§ National Performers’ Competition
§ Various music festivals, orchestras, bands and schools among many others
Website: www.kbbmusic.co.nz