Appointment Of Chief Executive, NZ Symphony Orchestra

To: editor@scoop.co.nz

Appointment Of Chief Executive, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Donald Best, Chairman of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, today announced the appointment of Christopher Blake to the position of Chief Executive of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

Mr Blake is currently Chief Executive and Secretary for Labour, Department of Labour, a position he has held for four years. He is also a composer who has undertaken commissions for a wide range of performers and ensembles and has 25 years’ experience working in the cultural sector.

“Christopher Blake has undertaken a wide range of leadership roles in the arts, the cultural sector and government. He has extensive experience in leading and managing complex organisations, as well as substantial experience in government at a senior level. His skills and background are ideally suited to leading the Orchestra in its next phase of development,” Mr Best said.

”We had more than 30 candidates apply for this role from all over the world, and Christopher really stood out. Having such an experienced and impressive New Zealander at the helm is good for our national orchestra and good for New Zealand arts. We’re very pleased he’ll be joining us.”

Before joining the Department of Labour, Mr Blake was Chief Executive of the Department of Internal Affairs for five and a half years, the Chief Executive and National Librarian at the National Library of New Zealand from 1997 – 2002, and the foundation Chief Executive of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the precursor of the current Ministry for Culture and Heritage, from 1991 to 1997.

Prior to joining the public service, Mr Blake was in leadership roles in a number of professional performing arts organisations. These included as General Manager of the then National Opera of New Zealand, General Manager of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for six years and the Canterbury Orchestra, and Manager of Radio New Zealand Concert.

NZSO Music Director Pietari Inkinen said Mr Blake’s experience was an ideal fit for the orchestra. “This seems like an ideal appointment: a musician, a New Zealander, and someone with enormous experience as a leader in the musical world and in the public sector. I look forward to working with Christopher.”

Mr Blake has Music and Engineering Degrees from the University of Canterbury and a post graduate Music Degree in composition from the University of Southampton. He is active as a practising composer and has written works for the NZSO, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Mercury Opera and Chamber Music New Zealand.

The chief executive vacancy arose when current CE Peter Walls resigned earlier this year. Mr Blake will take up the position on 7 February 2012 for a term of five years.

ENDS

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