New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conducted by Hamish McKeich. Recorded by RNZ Concert, 22 June 2012.
Michael Vinten Photo: Supplied
Michael Vinten studied Music History and Composition at Victoria University, Wellington, and then completed a Masters Degree in Orchestral Conducting at Cincinnati University, Ohio, USA. He has conducted many New Zealand orchestras, both professional and amateur, including Orchestra Wellington, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the Southern Sinfonia. Michael also works extensively with youth orchestras, having conducted the New Zealand Youth Orchestra, the Wellington Youth Orchestra, and the Wellington Youth Sinfonietta. From 1985 until 1989 he was Music Director of the Schola Musica, the training orchestra for the NZSO. He has also worked extensively as a conductor of opera.
Michael describes his 'Sinfonietta' as ‘a “light” piece in four movements, melodic but not without some rhythmic complexity. The initial inspiration was hearing an Argentinean youth orchestra performing a piece based on a South American dance and wanting to capture something of the youthful joie de vivre they exhibited.’
