Massey and Victoria to Duet
Joint statement by Massey University
Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Kinnear and Victoria University of
Wellington Vice-Chancellor Professor Stuart McCutcheon.
A new national centre of music excellence
in Wellington is likely to be operating next year. A new joint School of
Music has been endorsed by the music sector and is being recommended by
the two Vice-Chancellors of Massey and Victoria Universities.
Overwhelming support for the proposal was
received from external groups, staff and students, following a six-week
consultation period. Professors Judith Kinnear and Stuart McCutcheon,
Vice-Chancellors of the two universities, say an action plan for the way
forward will be recommended to the two university councils.
The two councils will be asked to proceed
to form a Joint School of Music that builds on the existing classical and
jazz strengths of both schools in musicology, ethnomusicology,
performance, composition, and history of music.
Subject to approval by the university
councils, the Joint School of Music would be operative from 2004, with
joint academic developments and resources to be progressed from that point
onwards.
The Vice-Chancellors say the joint School
of Music would confirm Wellington’s position as the national leader in
music education. The city’s reputation as the cultural centre of New
Zealand would be enhanced. Pooling student talent would lead to the
development of outstanding orchestras and musical groups, increasing the
capacity for professional quality productions.
A stronger relationship could be built
with the NZSO and Wellington Sinfonia. “This innovative solution will be
great for students, for Wellington and New Zealand,” said Peter Walls,
Chief Executive of NZSO.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast says
such initiatives are a key to realising the success of the city's
‘Creative Wellington—Innovation Capital’ vision. "I'm delighted
Massey and Victoria are working together to build a capability in music
and music education that will be of national and international
significance,” she said.
