WATPIC, performers at the 2022 NZCT Chamber Music Contest Photo: T Hamill
The NZCT Chamber Music Contest is an important feature of New Zealand’s musical calendar for secondary school students. The District Rounds begin on 7 June.
Chamber Music New Zealand's Bleau Bustenera (Manager, Community Engagement & Artistic) is the lead organiser for the Contest. She took part in the competition herself as a school student, and remembers how fun it was.
While the Contest Final (this year held in Christchurch on 6 August) is always a highlight, Bleau stresses how important the District Rounds are.
"Most groups will only get to perform once [in the contest], and we want to make sure that... [for] that one performance, they have a really positive experience."
"They get to perform in front of their peers, they get to meet other musicians with the same interests and I think that's very important as well."
