Featuring Soloist Katherine Winitana (Soprano and Conductor Luka Venter
Sunday 14 September 2.30pm
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is proud to present – from Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāariki Kaiputahi, Katherine Winitana, whose diverse musical journey spans contemporary music, jazz and opera. Katherine initially launched into the creative industry as a jazz singer before pursuing a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University, where she graduated in 2018 and was honoured as the inaugural recipient of the Vodafone New Zealand Music Award. Her passion for classical singing was sparked after participating in the Project Prima Volta programme, which marked the beginning of her transition to, and rapid immersion into, opera and classical music.
She was accepted into the NZ Opera School and completing with First Class Honours in Classical Voice, followed by two years as a Dame Malvina Major Studio Artist with NZ Opera. Katherine has recently completed her Master’s Degree at the University of Waikato and is excited to share her passion for music and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of New Zealand opera.
Conductor Luka Venter (they/them) is an award-winning composer and conductor from Te Whanganui-a-Tara l Wellington. Currently a 2024 Conducting Fellow with the NZSO, Luka is mentored by James Judd and Hamish McKeich including extensive workshops with the NZSO and the NZSO National Youth Orchestra, masterclasses with Gemma New and Miguel Harth-Bedoya, and assisting Gemma New and Holly Mathieson in works by Shostakovich and Berlioz, alongside works by Dorothy Kerr, Toru Takemitsu.
Venter’s music has been variously workshopped, performed and recorded. July 2023 saw the world première of a new chamber opera Lanternfish at London's Barbican Centre, commissioned by the Guildhall School, as well as the world première of Ulysses, a dramatic scene for solo baritone.
St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra is an accomplished orchestra performing a wide repertoire of music specifically providing performance opportunities for NZ musicians, composers and conductors.
TICKETS Eventfinda or Door sales. EFTPOS or Cash Adults $35 Concessions $30 children under 12 free. Student Rush on the day $15.
ST MATTHEW-IN-THE-CITY, corner Wellesley and Hobson Streets. www.smco.org.nz
