New Zealand conductor dies, 46

The conductor, singer and teacher Andrew Withington died at the weekend with family at his bedside.

Among early tributes, the New Zealand Choral Federation writes: ‘ It is with great sadness that we learned today of Andrew’s passing, after several months of illness. Andrew’s contribution to choral music in New Zealand is vast, including a highly successful 10 years at the helm of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir.’

The Australian condcutor Benjamin Northey has posted: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the death of outstanding New Zealand choral conductor Dr Andrew Withington. Andrew and I collaborated on one of the most memorable concert experiences of my life for a performance of the Britten War Requiem in Christchurch in 2015 with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

‘Andrew was off-stage conductor of Christchurch Boys’ Choir and musical director of the three onstage choirs – Consortia, the Christchurch City Choir and the NZ Secondary Schools’ Choir for this immense project. The results he achieved were simply outstanding and he was a superb music partner in all ways. I know Andrew has made an enormous impact on New Zealand music and will be deeply missed by his many friends and colleagues. ‘

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