Peter Watts

Peter Watts (MNZM , MA (Hons), LRAM, PGCE) is a freelance musician specialising in conducting and accompanying as well as directing innovative music projects.

Peter has always loved to encourage others to make music. This has led him to conduct a wide variety of music: orchestral and choral, classical and contemporary, serious and light, amateur and professional. He has inspired many others to share his enthusiasm and co-operate with his cajoling.

Peter’s 20 years as Musical Director of Auckland Choral gave him the opportunity to work with New Zealand's leading soloists, choirs and orchestras. He regularly guest conducts for orchestras and choirs around New Zealand. He especially enjoys devising creative musical projects for small choral and instrumental ensembles, exploring repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary. Recent performances have ranged from Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater to Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass.

Together with his wife Katharine, Peter has been active as a music educator, presenting Bandwagon children's concerts to schools and community groups throughout the country.

2005, the 150th anniversary of the founding of Auckland Choral, saw Peter involved in major commemorative projects for the choir. In the same year he was awarded the MNZM for services to choral music.

He regularly travels internationally as a music examiner for Trinity College, London.

Though choral conducting has been a priority, Peter also loves the piano. He especially enjoys accompanying, coaching, chamber music making and adjudicating. In partnership with his wife Katharine, he presents thought-provoking recitals for soprano and piano/harpsichord/organ.

Peter and Katharine have created a unique series of weekly concerts in Howick, Auckland, called Thursdays @ Seven which has given performance opportunities to numerous young and experienced musicians and has brought fine music to many in the area.