Rob – Music Publishing in Auckland

During the summer months of last year, I travelled to New Zealand in order to take up a work experience placement I had organised with the generous help of Auckland University’s Department of Music. I worked in the Department’s publishing branch, INTRADA, which specialises in discovering and editing sidelined music from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before publishing it for its first performances in centuries.

During my time there, I worked on several flute concerti written by French composer François Devienne towards the end of the eighteenth century. Though he went insane at the end of his life, the music I edited retained its impressive, and in many places beautiful, writing. I am very much looking forward to hearing its recording on the NAXOS label! My editing work alone was excellent experience, allowing me an insight into current academic life, as well as improving my own personal skills, abilities and expertise.

In addition to this, I took advantage of the thriving musical environment Auckland offered. I took part in several department-run activities, such as composers’ workshops and postgraduate reading groups, as well as attending concerts. Needless to say, my involvement not only allowed me to further my academic skills but it also introduced me to the exciting world of New Zealand music. It was interesting to note how many similarities there are between such events here and in Auckland, despite the distance the country is from the UK.

However, this distance would have rendered me unable to travel there at all, had it not been for the incredibly helpful grants I received from Emmanuel. I was a recipient of support from the Late 80s and Hockley funds, allowing me not only to afford the expensive return flights, but also to house and feed myself for the duration of my placement. I am very grateful indeed to the College for giving me the opportunity to have such an exciting six weeks.

After my placement finished, I met a friend and travelled around both islands of New Zealand, seeing many (if not all) of the sights that the beautiful country has to offer. We even managed to spot a wild kiwi! When returning to Auckland at the end of the trip, we were delighted to be able to join the Master at an Emmanuel lunch at an Emma Member’s home on Waiheke Island. It was an event that really brought home the College’s message about keeping a community among Members, even when they are separated by such great distances.

I hope that future students seize the fantastic opportunities that the College kindly offers and continue to prove that Emmanuel is not just in Cambridge, but has a positive impact all across the globe.