There’s no doubt that the world we live in has changed dramatically, and like many members of the arts community we feel the uncertainty of these difficult times. But it’s important to know that help is available.

SOUNZ acknowledges that this is a challenging time for many composers, musicians, artists and their whānau. Where possible we will provide you with links to appropriate support and please feel free to reach out to us should you have any questions.

Below you will find support services and opportunities that are currently available and updates from SOUNZ.

SOUNZ office

The SOUNZ office at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre (61 Abel Smith Street, Wellington) is now open to the public. We’re continuing to follow the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and safety measures, so you’ll be asked to sign in when you arrive.

We’re open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

If you purchase a hard copy score or other items from our website, it will be posted to you as soon as possible. But please be patient, as NZ Post is currently experiencing a backlog.

Call for works

SOUNZ composer pages rank highly on internet searches (try Googling your name!), and there’s no limit to the number of works that composers can lodge. While you’re in self-isolation, how about beefing up your SOUNZ page?

To lodge a work, simply fill out our Lodge or Update a Work form. Then, send scores and any other applicable media to info@sounz.org.nz. Jonathan, SOUNZ’s Cataloguing and Office Administrator, will happily catalogue away from his home in Paekākāriki!

Call for online events

The way we connect to live music is rapidly changing, and it’s amazing to see the creative and innovative ways in which musicians are ensuring that we #keepthemusicgoing. If you’re hosting a virtual music event, concert or performance with at least one NZ-composed work on the programme, we’d be thrilled to help you get the word out.

Submit your event details here to have them included on our events page, in Synopsis, and in our social media promotions. Also, if you’d like to create a blog article or video in support of your event, you’re welcome to get in touch with our Marketing Manager Leoné by e-mailing marketing@sounz.org.nz.

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā,

Join us for Jerome Kavangh’s Oro Atua – a Puoro Māori sound healing journey.

View it on the SOUNZ Facebook page and the SOUNZ YouTube channel.

We look forward to sharing Jerome’s special gift with you all.

Whiti whiti mai te Rā!

SOUNZ Projects Update

Please be aware that with the high degree of uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 situation, the following dates and deadlines are subject to change.

New Zealand Composer Sessions

The applications for this year’s sessions have closed, and the selection process is underway.  The sessions this year are scheduled for Tuesday 29 September – Friday 2 October.

Applications for 2021 will open in early October 2020.

SOUNZ Contemporary Award

Applications for the award are now open and close on Sunday 31 May.  The winner will be announced at the APRA Silver Scrolls Awards on Thursday 10 September.

SOUNZ and Westlake Community Project

The works for this year have been selected: “Mountain Overture” by Xu Tang, and “Scherzo r!d!culoso” by Fergus Byett.  The recording session will be on Tuesday 13 October.

Applications for 2021 will open in early November 2020.

SOUNZ Community Commission

Applications for 2020/2021 will open early June and close early July 2020.

SOUNZ Commission for Orchestra and Sistema Youth Orchestra

Applications for 2021 will open early September, and close mid-October 2020.

SOUNZ Jazz Recording Project

We are looking to revamp this project in 2020.  Details will be announced shortly.

MusicHelps | ĀwhinaPuoro has provided emergency assistance to hundreds of kiwi musicians experiencing hardship. There are two ways in which MusicHelps may be able to help you through this difficult time:
1. The MusicHelps Wellbeing Service is a 24-hour helpline and free professional counselling service for kiwi music people experiencing emotional distress. Call 0508MUSICHELP or email wellbeing@musichelps.org.nz

2.  The MusicHelps Benevolent Fund provides tailored emergency financial assistance packages to kiwi music people experiencing crisis situations as a result of illness, injury and misfortune. Call 09 623 4728 or email info@musichelps.org.nz