IAMIC Delegates To Experience NZ Culture

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IAMIC Delegates To Experience NZ Culture

More than 25 delegates from Music Information Centres around the world will be among those enjoying the host of concerts and activities surrounding the celebration of Matariki in the capital this week.

The visitors are here to take part in the 2007 International Association of Music Information Centres Conference which is being hosted by SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music from June 19-23.

SOUNZ has been an IAMIC member since 1993, and while the annual IAMIC conference is hosted in a different country each year, this is only the second time it has been in the Southern Hemisphere and the first time in New Zealand.

"Our guests are looking forward to a Southern Hemisphere experience," Scilla Askew, Executive Director of SOUNZ reports.

"Simple things, that we Kiwis take for granted, are often a great delight to our Northern colleagues – seeing the Southern Cross the right way up, for example. The fact that the Conference coincides with Matariki celebrations is a happy coincidence and will ensure that our visitors gain an insight into the rich diversity of New Zealand's unique culture."

As SOUNZ does for New Zealand, IAMIC Members promote the music of their nation or region's composers and act as a point of reference for anyone interested in the new music of their country.

The delegates coming to the 2007 IAMIC Conference are from as far afield as Iceland, Slovakia and Canada and as close as our trans-Tasman colleagues, the Australian Music Centre.

Apart for the IAMIC business sessions, the guests will have the opportunity of attending concerts given by New Zealand contemporary music ensembles Stroma, 175 East and Tuhonohono as well as special performances at the Australian High Commission and the NZ School of Music.

Delegates will also experience many of Wellington's cultural highlights including a visit to the world-class sound recording facilities at Park Road Post, to the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary and the Lilburn Residence in Thorndon.

Venues for conference sessions include the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club, the San Francisco Bath House on Cuba Street, the St James Theatre, the Michael Fowler Centre, City Gallery and Te Papa.

"This range of venues gives a broad picture of Wellington and New Zealand's cultural strengths," Ms. Askew says.

"Together with all the activities and exhibitions celebrating Matariki, the opening of NBR NZ Opera's Wellington season of Lucia di Lammermoor and concerts from the New Zealand String Quartet and New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, we really are 'turning it on' for our international guests!"

ENDS

Background:
The International Association of Music Information Centres (IAMIC) is a world-wide network of organizations that document and promote the music of our time. IAMIC currently supports the work of 43 member organizations in 38 countries. It maintains a website at www.iamic.net

SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand music, is dedicated to promoting, fostering and providing the music of New Zealand composers. More information is available from the comprehensive website at www.sounz.org.nz

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