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Ryan Smith
Ryan Smith spent his early years in Otahuhu, South Auckland, then later lived just a two-minute walk from the beach on the Pōhutukawa Coast, where he spent a lot of time looking under rocks on the beach and in rock pools being endlessly fascinated by all the creatures there.
The spirit of discovery has remained core to Ryan’s interests and work. He got into classical music in his mid-twenties through minimalist composers, especially Steve Reich, and film composition was a big way into classical music for him too – he remains a big fan of Angelo Badalamenti’s music (including the scores for David Lynch films and Twin Peaks). Ryan writes articles for the AudioCulture website about New Zealand film music, including a decade-by-decade overview from its early beginnings onwards called Film Music Aotearoa.
Ryan joined RNZ Concert in 2006, after he completed his music degree. He has two roles with the station - presenting ambient music from both overseas and Aotearoa with listeners on New Music Dreams, and producing Sound Lounge. As producer Ryan has to choose from all the fantastic contemporary classical and experimental music that composers and performers from Aotearoa and overseas have to offer for Clarissa Dunn to present on air.
Ryan’s favourite composers range across a number of genres from experimental artists Aphex Twin and Steve Reich to Stravinsky. He’s always excited when contemporary composers Katie Gately and
Missy Mazzoli release something new, and says he has too many Kiwi favourites to mention.
He has a number of favourite live concert memories:
“Seeing Autechre live at a bar in Osaka was a memorable gig for me. And watching Italian prog-rock band Goblin playing their Suspiria score live to the film at the Civic Theatre in Auckland in 2013 was an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Stroma Mechanical Ballet concert at the New Zealand Festival of the Arts where pre-programmed robotics performed percussion instruments alongside human performers was also incredible.”
Outside of work, Ryan loves animals and spends a lot of time at Zealandia. He says that every time he’s there one creature or another manages to do something that surprises him.
RNZ Programmes
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Music and Dreams
Ryan Smith looks at some famous composers from different eras who lifted ideas and music straight out of their dreams.
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Search results for Ryan Smith
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Remembering John Charles and his music
5 Jun 2024Ryan Smith talks with Bryan Crump about the contribution of composer John Charles to New Zealand film music. Charles died in early May at the age of 83, and is particularly remembered for his… Video, Audio
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NZSO: Legacy
Pianist Stephen De Pledge and the New Zealand SO performed this concert as part of the Orchestra's 75th anniversary celebrations. It includes the premiere of a Gillian Whitehead work with a timely… Video, Audio
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Fast Track bill hits hurdles of public outrage
24 May 2024A law giving ministers sweeping powers to greenlight infrastructure projects has attracted a wave of criticism and responses at select committee.
With ministers beginning to soften their language… Audio
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Stuff announces staff for new 6pm news bulletin
The first details about the TV news bulletin that will replace Newshub at 6 from July have been revealed. The producer - Stuff - has hired several senior reporters and producers from Newshub and will…
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'When old men plant trees': James Shaw's farewell
5 May 2024James Shaw's valedictory statement included thanks, humour, yarns, surprising allies, warnings and advice for MPs on avoiding the endless policy tug-of-war. Audio
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The enduring soul of Bill Withers
25 Apr 2024A group of Aotearoa musicians have formed a band in honour of the American singer-songwriter Bill Withers whose songs have shaped their music. The Bill Withers Social Club play three shows this week… Audio
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Coromandel businesses from awash to afloat
It's been a very different summer for businesses on the Coromandel compared to a year ago when a vital road was damaged and rendered impassable after storm events. State Highway 25 between Kopu and… Audio
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Asian Composers League: Te Ihutai - NZTrio
17 Dec 2023Listen to NZTrio perform recent compositions from Philippines, UK, Aotearoa, Japan and Malaysia in this Asian Composers League concert, Te Ihutai, held in Christchurch in 2022. Audio
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Asian Composers League: Te Hau - Alistair Fraser and Bridget Douglas
7 Dec 2023Listen to Alistair Fraser (taonga pūoro) and Bridget Douglas (flute) perform recent compositions from Hong Kong, Aotearoa, and Denmark in this Asian Composers League concert, Te Hau, held in… Audio
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Asian Composers League: Te Waipuna - New Zealand String Quartet
3 Dec 2023Listen to the New Zealand String Quartet perform recent compositions from Japan, Aotearoa, South Korea, and the U.S. in this Asian Composers League concert, Te Waipuna, held in Christchurch in 2022. Audio
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Lilburn Lecture 2023: Unknown Country: Listening for the Sound of Aotearoa New Zealand - Nick Bollinger
3 Dec 2023Award-winning writer, musician, and broadcaster Nick Bollinger delves into diverse corners of Aotearoa's musical past and present to investigate what it is that differentiates New Zealand pop music… Video, Audio
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Photographer Kate Simon on Rebel Music & Bob Marley
2 Dec 2023Kate Simon is a well respected American portrait photographer and writer. Musicians and artists respected her and her work - Especially Bob Marley who used her photos for the front cover of his 1978… Audio
