Awardees

GWNZ Fellowship, 2020

Kirsten Strom

  Kirsten is one of only six composers in the world selected for a Master of Music in Composition with the Royal Academy of Music, London for 2019-2021. This opportunity will enable her to hone her craft, extend her skillset, learn from experts, and create a new career platform in an international artistic sphere.

Kirsten’s academic career sits along-side a strong career in classical composition: such as residencies with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, in Madeira, and most recently with VCCA in France, leading to encouragement from the superstar female contemporary composer, Kaija Saariaho. Kirsten, is frequently interviewed by arts organisations and national radio, and was one of only four representing New Zealand in the 2018 Asian Composers League Festival, from a national and international selection process. Women in composition are still in the minority, and Kirsten believes it is crucial to have skilled practitioners representing women well in the field, and acting as role models for those coming through.

Read Kirsten’s Mid-Year Report