An interview with the award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Auckland, New Zealand. Cowan writes for film, television, dance, and theatre in addition to concert music. Cowan is an experienced orchestrator and symphonic writer, having worked with all of New Zealand’s leading orchestras. Hosted by WFMT’s Robbie Ellis with exclusive content courtesy of RNZ Concert.
Video
Claire Cowan talks through the main themes in her ballet Hansel & Gretel:
Cowan’s violin concerto Stark (first movement):
Freda Stark was the inspiration for Claire Cowan’s violin concerto Stark, and she appears in “Killer Conductor: the story of Eric Mareo”, a two-part episode of the RNZ podcast Black Sheep (Part 1Part 2).
The Stolen Stars of Matariki from NZSO Storytime:
Cowan’s piano trio Subtle Dances:
The Bomb from NZSO Storytime:
Mrs Wishy-Washy’s Farm from NZSO Storytime:
Trailer to Hillary:
Playlist
All music by Claire Cowan.
Hansel & Gretel:
– Overture
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; Hamish McKeich, conductor
(from the Hansel & Gretel album)
The Sleeping Keeper
Helen Webby, harp
(Ode CDMANU-5144)
Ultra Violet
Amalia Hall, violin; Callum Hall, cello; Sarah Watkins, piano
(Claire Cowan supplied)
Hillary:
– Chickens on a Train
– Tenzing
Claire Cowan, producer
(Claire Cowan supplied, from the TVNZ production streaming on PBS)
Under The Vines:
– The Stanley
Claire Cowan, producer
(Claire Cowan supplied, from the TVNZ production streaming on Acorn TV)
Hansel & Gretel Bedtime Story
Text by Amy Mansfield
Jonny Brugh, narrator; New Zealand Symphony Orchestra; Hamish McKeich, conductor
(from the Hansel & Gretel album)
The Stolen Stars of Matariki
Text by Miriama Kamo
Miriama Kamo, narrator; New Zealand Symphony Orchestra members
(produced by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra for their series Storytime)
