Christchurch Music Timeline

In 2007 as part of New Zealand Music Month, we began to collect and record the key events in Christchurch’s musical history.

We’re piecing together this timeline as we uncover new items of information. We’d like your help, so if you’re able to supply new events or dates, or add to the information we already have, let us know below.

1851

January 11

Lyttelton Times announces regular meetings to practice church music.

1852

July 16

Choral classes begin in Lyttelton.

1860

August 20

Canterbury Vocal Society formed. Nine men in Christchurch founded a society called the Canterbury Vocal Union which shortly afterwards amalgamated with a St. Cecilia Society, male and female voices thus being brought together. After several changes of name, it became the Royal Christchurch Musical Society in 1920. The oldest continually operating choral group in New Zealand, on January 1, 1991 it merged with the Christchurch Harmonic Society to form the Christchurch City Choir.

1861

(no date)

Canterbury (or New) Music Hall opens. Built by the Musical Society, it was soon nicknamed the Barn. The site was in Gloucester Street, opposite the present Theatre Royal.

1864

October 7

Opening of a 12-night season of Lyster’s Royal Italian and English Opera Company. The opera was Lucia di Lammermoor.

1876

June 23

Birth of John Bradshaw, organist, conductor, music educator. Organist and master of the choristers at Christ Church Cathedral, April 1902 to March 1937; Professor of Music, Canterbury University College, 1937-1941; conducted Christchurch Liedertafel and Christchurch Musical Union; Founder of the Christchurch Male Voice choir and conductor 1917 - 1940. Died January 16, 1950.

1877

September

H.M. Lund - pianist, music teacher, sometime conductor and full time critic for The Press from c. 1905 - arrived in New Zealand and settled in Christchurch. Multiple sources including Lyttelton Times, 14 September 1877 and Helen Watson, Music in Christchurch, unpublished thesis.

The last twenty years of the 19th century constituted a particularly fertile period of musical instruction, and for this four men in particular were responsible. These were H.M. Lund, H. Wells, G. F. Tendall, and F. M. Wallace. Hermann Maier Lund was the first of these to arrive… Helen Watson, Music in Christchurch, unpublished thesis.
On his eightieth birthday, the city of Christchurch honoured the fifty year contribution he [Lund] had made to the city. At the time, many accorded him significant credit for the high plane on which Christchurch music [stood] "Music Community to Honour HM Lund", The Press 25 June 1927

1879

May 31

Famous international soprano Frances Alda born in Christchurch as Fanny Jane Davis.

1880

March 9

Birth of Ernest Empson for many years a leading piano teacher and founder of the Eroica Club (Christchurch) 1920. Died 1970.

April 17

Inter-city brass band contest (New Zealand’s first) and choral competition draws an audience of 2500 to the Drill Hall. The winner was the Invercargill Garrison Band.

1881

(no date)

Christ Church Cathedral choir begun by choirmaster and organist Harry Wells.

(no date)

George Fredrick Tendall (1845-1901) arrived in New Zealand from England. Private music teacher, first lecturer in music at the university and the second organist of the Christ Church Cathedral.

May

Woolston (now Skellerup Woolston) Brass Band formed.

December

August Wilhelmj concerts performed with Max Vogrich the great pianist
Dunedin: 30 November at the Princess, Otago WitnessOtago: 8 & 9 December Reigning Monarch of the Violin at the Volunteer Hall, North Otago TimesChristchurch concerts occured here but no refs other than Wellington concerts postponed as a result of an extension to the Christchurch season (to the 23rd when the first Wellington concert was to take place).Wellington: 26 December for a few nights at the Athenaeum Hall, Evening PostAuckland: 3 January 1882, Wanganui Herald

1883

(no date)

Addington Workshops Brass Band formed.

1885

June 11

First concert of the Christchurch Liedertafel (listing in CINCH).

1886

October 28-30

Christchurch Amateur Operatic Society performs comic opera Madame Favart at Theatre Royal. Digitised programme at the National Library

1890

March 15

Charles Santley - later Sir Charles - the chief English baritone performs four concerts in Christchurch: North Otago Times and the NZ Tablet

1891

January 13

First public display in New Zealand of Edison’s phonograph.

June 10

World famous contralto Madame Patey appears in Christchurch: North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7161, 11 June 1891, Page 2

June 24

Birth of Vitor C. Peters, conductor and teacher, who formed the Christchurch Harmonic Society. Died November 22 1973.

July 25

The first general meeting of the Canterbury Society of Musicians took place at the Girls’ Friendly Society’s rooms on Saturday night [25/07/1891]. There was a good attendance of members, and some visitors were present. The President, Mr. Lund, occupied the chair, and was supported by Messrs Hunt, Normington, Searell, Wallace and Wells, members of the Council, Mr. Searell acting as Secretary. Aplogies were read from Messrs G. F. Tendall and A. J. Merton, and from Mr. Sidney Wolff, of Timaru…
On the motion of Mr. Wells, seconded by Mr. R. T. Searell, it was resolved That this meeting confirm the constitution of the Society, as drawn up by the Council.
Lyttelton Times, 27 July 1891

1894

(no date)

Ernest Rutherford transmits New Zealand’s first radio waves in his basement laboratory at university.

June 22

Birth of Vernon Griffiths, organist, composer, conductor and music educator; Professor of Music at Christchurch University College 1942 - 1962. Died November 23, 1985.

1895

(no date)

Bicycle Band formed.

(no date)

Canterbury society of Musicians adopted a new name - the Canterbury Society of Professional Musicians. Canterbury Museum: Institute of Registered Music Teachers of New Zealand, Christchurch Branch Records 1897 - 1993 - 7 boxes (ARC 1993.40/1993.69/1995.14)

1897

(no date)

Sidney Hawker (1871-1956) wrote Young New Zealand’s national song, it was published by the Dresden Piano Company, it was popular with the troops in the Boer War - and was then forgotten.
See Papers Past, the Star:
10 March 1900 p. 5 - Mr Sidney Hawker has forwarded to the Addington camp Young New Zealand’s national song which was popular with third contingent;
12 February 1900 p. 4 - Hawker’s song had 'caught on' with the Canterbury Troop;
9 Feb 1900 p. 3 - Canterbury Troop - Hawker was sending copies of his song;
18 Nov 1897 p. 3 - Hawker’s Young New Zealand’s national song composed and written by him and published by Dresden Piano Company "The music is bright and inspiriting and is likely to become popular".

1900

April

Sidney Hawker, New Brighton baker, Liedertafel and Christchurch Cathedral Choir member, wrote music which was published. Papers Past, Star, 24 April 1900, refers to his Defenders of the Empire, published by H. Paling & Co. of Sydney. It was among the quantity of patriotic music for which the present war [Boer War] has been responsible.

1902

(no date)

Canterbury Caledonian Society Highland Pipe Band formed.

1903

February 20

Singer Madam (later Dame) Nellie Melba gives concert.

1904

September 19

Concert by pianist Jan Paderewski. He later became Prime Minister of Poland.

1906

(no date)

The first professional orchestra in New Zealand was formed for the International Exhibition held in Christchurch. It was called the Exhibition Orchestra and included 10 local musicians of 53.
Philip Jane, An Historical Survey of the Establishment of an Orchestral Tradition in Christchurch to 1939

November 1

First Dominion pipe band contest which was won by the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band. Held in conjunction with the 1906 New Zealand International Exhibition.

1910

29 May

Birth of C. Foster Browne, organist, conductor, music critic, teacher. Organist and master of the choristers at Christ Church Cathedral, 1938-1976. Conductor of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society, 1941-1949 Music critic for The Press. Died 1983.

1921

(no date)

Concert by violinist Jascha Heifetz.

September 29

Birth of John Ritchie, music educator, composer and conductor; Professor of Music at University of Canterbury, 1962 - 1985.

1923

August 11

Christchurch Radio Society begins regular radio transmission with station 3AC.

1924

(no date)

The Faculty of Music was created at Canterbury College, Christchurch. The [Art Centre’s] Great Hall was the centre of the Department’s music-making until the move to Ilam in 1974. The Department was housed for many years (until 1957) above Room 15 situated beyond the rear of the [Great] Hall. John M. Jennings, A centennial history of the School of Music University of Canterbury 1891 - 1991.

1925

(no date)

Concert by violinist Fritz Kreisler.

August 22

Radio Broadcasting Company of N.Z. incorporated in Christchurch - the country’s first public radio company. The company became the major force in early radio, eventually owning and operating a chain of YA stations throughout the country. See 1932

1926

March 2

Birth of Robert Field-Dodgson, conductor, music educator. Conductor of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society, 1949-1990. Director of music at Christ’s College, 1952-1986. Died 1999.

October 22

Birth of Maurice Till, concert pianist, accompanist and teacher.

1927

April 28 and 30

First concerts of the Christchurch Harmonic Society founded by Victor C. Peters, who was conductor until 1959. On January 1, 1991 it combined with the Royal Christchurch Musical Society to form the Christchurch City Choir.

1928

(no date)

Music Teachers Registration Act was passed by parliament and led to the formation of the Music Teachers Registration Board.

1929

January 1

Regarding early submissions on the Music Teachers Registration Bill/Act/Board

• Draft bill did not find favour with legislators.
• Much revised bill was introduced in late 1927
• Bill passed in 1928
• Bill came into effect on 1 Jan 1929
• The first Board met in May

John M. Jennings, For the Advancement of Music and Musicians: A short centennial history of societies in Christchurch devoted to the well-being of professional teachers of music

November 11

Opening of Edmonds band rotunda.

1926

March

Radio station 3YA begins transmission. At first, the station was operated by the old Radio Society for the Radio Broadcasting Company of N.Z.

1930

March 15

Opening recital on the New Grand Organ in the Municipal Concert Hall. The previous organ which was given to the city at the close of the 1906-07 International exhibition had been destroyed in a fire in 1917.

1935

(no date)

Concert by violinist Yehudi Menuhin (1916-1999) (already famous at only 17).

1938

(no date)

Christchurch Operatic Society formed.

1940

May 24

Centennial music festival presents 10 days of music to large audiences. This was the New Zealand Centennial. For Christchurch Centennial see 1950.

1941

January 24

Civic reception for playwright/composer Noel Coward.

April 30

Max Merritt born in Christchurch.

(no date)

Birth of David Childs, organist, conductor, teacher. Organist and master of the choristers at Christ Church Cathedral, 1977-1999. Conductor of the Christchurch Harmonic Society, 1978-1990. Died 1999.

1942

December 13

Premiere in Christchurch of Landfall in Unknown Seas by Douglas Lilburn and Allen Curnow.

1943

August 2

Birth of John Cousins, composer, music educator. teacher and creative artist at Canterbury University 1967 - 2004.

1947

(No date)

First women’s pipe band in New Zealand formed in City.

June 23

Local headmaster George Couch founds the South Brighton Choral Society.

1953

(no date)

Composer Chris Cree Brown born.

October

Composer Eric Biddington born.

October 16

Birth of Philip Norman, composer, conductor, author.

1955

(no date)

Robert Perks M.B.E. founded the Christchurch School of Instrumental Music. Classes were held in the Normal School, Kilmore St (Now Cranmer Courts).

1956

(no date)

Max Merritt formed his first group, the Meteors. The group was made up of friends Ross Clancy on saxophone, Ian Glass on bass, Peter Patene on piano and Pete Sowden on drums.
His mother Ilene with the help of Kerridge-Odeon theatre manager Trevor King set up The Christchurch Teenagers Club (held in the Railway Hall in Sydenham).

1958

September

John Ritchie String Orchestra founded. First full concert in March 1959. The Orchestra gave regular concerts, sometimes augmented by woodwind. This orchestra formed the core of the Christchurch Civic Orchestra in 1962, which in 1974 changed its name to the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

1959

9 - 12 January

Johnny Devlin played four gigs at the St James’ theatre from Friday 9 January to Monday 12 January. Minister of Social Welfare Mabel Howard attended and quipped at half time: There’s not much wrong with rock’n’roll.

1962

November

First concert by Christchurch Civic Orchestra with 44 players.

1963

March 9

Concerts by jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong.

1964

June 27

Large crowds for visit of Beatles pop group.

August 26

Christchurch School of Instrumental Music registered as an Incorporated Society.

1965

February 22

Opening of first Pan-Pacific Arts Festival. Artists include singer Inia Te Wiata (in Porgy and Bess) and conductor Sir Malcolm Sargent.

1966

(no date)

Phil Garland opens Christchurch Folk Centre, later to become Christchurch Folk Club.

1967

December

Dobbs Franks appointed conductor of Christchurch Civic Orchestra, to replace John Ritchie.

1968

March 9

Second Pan-Pacific Arts Festival opens.

1969

August

Juan Matteucci appointed Principal Guest Conductor of Christchurch Civic Orchestra.

1971

April 15

Christchurch production of Jenny Mcleod’s Earth and Sky in Civic Theatre.

1972

September 30

Town Hall opened by His Excellency The Governor General, Sir Denis Blundell, GCMG, KBE.

November

Vanco Cavdarski appointed conductor of Christchurch Civic Orchestra, and gives first concert.

1974

February

Change of name to Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

1975

(no date)

Christchurch School of Instrumental Music moved to Heaton Intermediate School and to the Arts Centre.

mid-year

Split leads to formation of rival Canterbury Orchestra, with 10 full-time players. Christchurch Symphony continues through donations from the public.

1976

January 13

Briolette Kahbic (Bic) Runga born in Christchurch.

February 15

25,000 attend concert by pop singer Neil Diamond at Q.E.II Park.

June 4

Opera singer Dame Joan Sutherland gives concert.

1978

(no date)

The Dux de Lux opens at the Christchurch Arts Centre; soon to become Christchurch’s (and possibily New Zealand’s) most consistent live venue due to its long-standing free-show policy and relaxed restaurant vibe.

December 30

Canterbury Orchestra disbanded. The demise of this professional orchestra ended 6 years of acrimonious dispute which profoundly disrupted the musical scene in Christchurch.

1979

January

Canterbury Orchestra folds because of the inability of the Arts Council to increase its funding. Christchurch Symphony Orchestra carries on.

February 25

Concert by jazzman ‘Count’ Basie and his orchestra.

July 15-21

D’Oyly Carte Opera Company gives performances.

1981

(no date)

Roger Shepherd founds Flying Nun Records label in Christchurch.

(no date)

Jordan Luck forms Dance Exponents in Christchurch.

1982

December 31

The Bats play their first show. The Christchurch-Based group featured Paul Kean (ex-Toy Love), the now Dunedin-Based Robert Scott (ex-The Clean), Kaye Woodward (ex-Lyndon and the Liars) and Malcolm Grant (ex-The Bilders) and still does, approaching 25 years later.

1984

April 10

Blue Ladder Theatre opens its doors at 87 Cashel St. The key production was Bride of the Wheel (Theatre of Cruelty) directed by Bill Direen, with a cast including Diane and Linzy Forbes as Beatrice Cenci and her father, with acrobats including David Clarkson (Stalker) plus many local musicians (incl. John Chrisstoffels of The Terminals). Seasons of performances occurred in an open-plan space with concurrent exhibitions in an adjoining room overlooking Cashel Street.

October

Independent label Failsafe Records forms and releases Accident Compilation — a definitive collection documenting the Gladstone Hotel, Hillsborough Tavern and Star & Garter post punk original music scenes.

1985

(no date)

Canterbury Opera formed.

1986

February

Radio UFM (located at University of Canterbury) becomes first station in Canterbury to be granted an FM warrant on a long term basis.

June

Failsafe Records release Biding Our Time, a compilation highlighting future Flying Nun acts and more Gladstone Hotel bands.

1987

(no date)

Galaxy Records, Christchurch’s key independent music store, opens in Gloucester Arcade. It later moves to its present location in High Street in 1990.

April 10

Hayley Dee Westenra was born in Christchurch.

1988

February 29

Community access radio station Plains FM goes to air for the first time.

May

Post-punk three-piece Dolphin play their first gig and release two jagged-edged guitar rock eps. The band is Kevin Stokes, Steve Birss and Rob Mayes.

October

William Southgate appointed Principal Guest Conductor to Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

1989

November 4

Record crowd of 60,000 at Lancaster Park to see Irish Rock Band U2.

(no date)

Holy Toledos folk-rock group formed from group of school friends from St Thomas of Canterbury College. Popular live band around town and produced two albums. Active until 1994.

1990

February 9

Welcome to our world, recorded by John Grenell, reaches number one in the New Zealand charts.

October

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: Tony Kunowski appointed as Manager (interim at first). He began a policy that became more populist, to encourage larger and wider audiences.

1991

January 1

Christchurch City Choir formed with the merger of two long-standing choirs, the Royal Christchurch Musical Society and the Christchurch Harmonic Society.

(no date)

CPIT Jazz School opens. Originally situated on St Asaph Street with Neil Pickard as Head of School. The school was later accommodated in a new building on the corner of Madras and High Streets.

1992

April

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: Jan van den Berg appointed as Concertmaster.

1993

(no date)

Music Centre opened Christchurch School of Music moved in as a foundation tenant, dropped the word “Instrumental” from its name (14 Dec) and included choirs into its ensembles.

April 23

Failsafe Records release classic Christchurch compilation Avalanche. Featuring Loves Ugly Children, 147 Swordfish, Supertanker, Lurch and Pumpkinhead. The compilation showcases the strength of the local underground scene as it bubbled up and boiled over into the mainstream. Gigs at this point (mainly at Warners in Cathedral Square on a Thursday night, although the Dux de Lux was also a mainstay as well) often saw large crowds, with Warners sometimes attracting 800 people. The release party for this compilation was held at the now demolished Performing Arts Theatre (now better known as 'Little Bosnia'!)

May

Local hip hop act Dark Tower formed.

1994

(no date)

Christchurch Music Centre opens in the former Sacred Heart Convent.

1995

January

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: A policy is developed to have tenured players. The first four tenured players were appointed in November. They were from the Ukraine.

February

Dark Tower released the first hip hop EP/CD in Christchurch/South Island — Real Zeal Men which featured the cult hit Zealman.

1997

May

Installation of Rieger Pipe Organ in Christchurch Town Hall completed.

May 9

The Riegler Pipe Organ in the Christchurch Town Hall was first played to the public to test its sound with a full auditorium. Organ curator Martin Setchell played the international students’ hymn, Gaudeamus Igitur to close the afternoon university graduation ceremony.

May 15

Christopher Herrick officially inaugurated the Christchurch Town Hall organ.

1998

(no date)

The Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival established as a biennial event. The festival features national and international jazz and blues artists performing at a variety of venues around Christchurch.

January

Formation of She’ll Be Right Records by Dark Tower’s Jody Lloyd. Initially the label was licensed to Universal Music, but in 2002 became independent. The label had a strong Kiwi accent focus and the music released ranged from folk to hip hop. More than 30 local albums were released between 2002 and 2009, from artists such as Trillion, Dark Tower, John White (mestar), Andy Gibson, Ragamuffin Children, Lindon Puffin, Billy Wilson, Bazuki Joe, Jeremy Taylor, Delaney Davidson, Tono, Jim Christy and Le Mot Cafe.

April

Jody Lloyd (Trillion) was the first NZ signing to Universal Music and released the collaborative album Shadows on a Flat Land, which featured a number of Christchurch musicians.

2000

October (no date)

Tim Baird founds local label Pinacolada Records after countless nights clubbing.

(no date)

Dark Tower released Canterbury Drafts (LP) through Universal Music. The rap duo consisted of Eli Foley and Jody Lloyd. After this release Lloyd started a solo project under the name Trillion and has released an album a year since 2001.

November

Christchurch Symphony Orchestra: Marc Taddei appointed as Musical Director from 2001. He inaugurated a more adventurous musical programme.

2001

September 11

Christchurch based label Pinacolada Records releases its first 12", Rockwood’s 'Chee'/'Kung Fu Philosophy' (PINA1201)

December 12

Anika Moa’s Thinking Room album debuts at number 1 in New Zealand.

2002

November 25

Rockwood’s debut album Trippers Guide To House released on Pinacolada Records. A twisted mash up of house, drum and bass, funk and dub, it blows open the doors for many of the more experimental electronic acts on the scene. Producer Peter Wood (aka Rockwood) continues to play in Salmonella Dub.

2003

(no date)

Falter band from Mairehau High win 2003 Smokefree Rockquest plus Coke original song award for Falling To Pieces, Best vocals (Simon), Contempo Musicianship award + scholarship (Simon) and The Edge Airplay Award in association with NZ on Air.

March

Pinacolada Records release another 12" vinyl, this time by Mark de Clive and Thisinformation (containing Solaa buddies Chris Cox and Isaac Aesili along with guest Kurt 'Partido' Dyer and David Wright). The b-side of the record is picked up, remixed and licensed to Italian record label Ohm Records. This is the first time a local club tune has gained international recognition on dancefloors throughout Europe.

August 15

Stand up / Not many, a double-sided single recorded by Christchurch rapper Scribe, reaches number one in the New Zealand charts.

October 31

Headspace (aka Andre Hermer) and Fanatica (aka Ryuichio Louis Ijjmar) release their split 12" single 'Fly Away'/'Scent of Love' (feat M.C. Lia) on 12" to complete the trilogy of Pinacolada Records vinyl releases. The tunes receive international support from Tony Coleman (Hospital Records UK) and DJ Bailey (Radio 1 Xtra UK). Hermer soon departs to England to study and Iijmar moves to Tokyo and then back to Hong Kong.

(no date)

Hayley Westenra’s Pure wins Top New Zealand album at the New Zealand Music awards.
Scribe wins top NZ single for Stand Up / Not Many.

2004

February 14

Pinacolada Records release The Shocking Pinks debut album Dance The Dance Electric (PINACD02). The album goes on to widespread national and international acclaim, with it receiving a review of 8.2 out of 10 on US website Pitchforkmedia.com.

February 20

Dreaming by Scribe reaches number one in the New Zealand charts.

May

Christchurch Symphony: Murray Shaw appointed Chief Executive.

October 29

Stop the music by P-Money and Scribe reaches number one in the New Zealand charts.

2005

May 13

Live in concert by Hayley Westenra becomes the number one DVD — it is the first New Zealand DVD to top our charts.

2006

(no date)

Neil Robinson band from central city school Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti wins 2006 Smokefree Rockquest.

June 1

((CHART)) launches christchurchmusic.org.nz a portal for Christchurch Music featuring news, events, gigs, key dates, funding and directory of artists, studios, venues, live sound, education, media and much more.

December

Christchurch Symphony: Last concert by Marc Taddei as Musical Director.

December

Canterbury Opera went into voluntary liquidation.

2007

April 7

Pig Out are invited to play support for Danish group 2 Many DJs / Radio Soulwax on their 'Nite Versions' tour. A real coup for a local band just one year after their inception, and only a couple of months after their debut Pinacolada Records release Club Poems.

May 15

Southern Opera launched.

2008

(no date)

Christchurch School of Music expanded its rooms in the Music Centre and began an innovative distance learning programme.

April 21

Pinacolada Records put out their seventh release which is the debut album by acclaimed local group Tiger Tones.

2009

17 September

APRA Silver Scroll Awards held in Christchurch for the first time.

2017

June

South Brighton Choral Society marks its 70th anniversary by changing its name to South Brighton Voices.

Got something to add? Let us know.

Sources

A lot of this timeline was sourced from various newspapers and contributions but the following books have also been used.

• Philip Jane, An Historical Survey of the Establishment of an Orchestral Tradition in Christchurch to 1939
• John M. Jennings, A centennial history of the School of Music University of Canterbury 1891 - 1991.
• John M. Jennings, For the Advancement of Music and Musicians: A short centennial history of societies in Christchurch devoted to the well-being of professional teachers of music
• Helen Watson, Music in Christchurch, unpublished thesis.