Our festival family is mourning the loss of a great colleague, musician and friend, Dr Andrew Withington. Andrew was involved with the festival from a young age, firstly as Junior Choir conductor, then Senior Choir conductor and Music Festival director from 2011-2012. He was Music Director during the earthquake years and was responsible for keeping the festival alive by moving the concerts to the then-named Horncastle Arena.
Andrew continued to pursue his career in music as a teacher, mentor, conductor and composer. He was the Director of the University of Canterbury Chamber Choir, Consortia (2013-16), and lectured in conducting (2014-16). He was the Artistic Director of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir and was often asked to adjudicate and hold workshops for the New Zealand Choral Federation.
Andrew will be sorely missed in the music world around New Zealand and our hearts go out to his family and close friends at this time.
