John Ritchie (1921 - 2014)
presented by Philip Norman
John Ritchie Photo: Supplied
John Ritchie studied music at Otago University and afterwards trained as a teacher. After serving in World War II, he was appointed to the staff of Canterbury University in 1946. Then in 1956-57 he undertook post-graduate study at Harvard University with Walter Piston.
On returning to New Zealand, Ritchie quickly became an important musical figure in Christchurch. He formed the John Ritchie String Orchestra in 1959 and was afterwards instrumental in establishing the Christchurch Civic Orchestra. In 1962 he became Professor and Head of Music at Canterbury University.
He is known particularly for his choral music and his love of good brass bands. Illustrating Philip Norman’s interview you can hear excerpts of some of Ritchie’s best loved works, including his Concerto for Clarinet and Strings and Papanui Road.
Music Details:
J RITCHIE: Papanui Road – NZSO/ Marc Taddei (Trust MMT 2040)
J RITCHIE: Full Fathom Five from Three Whimsies - Matthew Marshall (gtr) (RNZ)
J RITCHIE: Snow Goose – Bridget Douglas (fl), Rachel Thomson (pno) (Trust MMT 2063)
J RITCHIE: Turkey in the Straw - Lindsay String Orch/ Alex Lindsay (Kiwi SLD 2)
J RITCHIE: Concertino for cl & stgs, mvt 3 (Kiwi CD SLD 107)
J RITCHIE: Gallipoli Voices – Chris Bruerton (bar), Woolston Brass, Christchurch City Choir, Christchurch SO/ Graham Hickman (cond) (Private Recording)
J RITCHIE: Three Caricatures – Sharon Joy Vogan (pno) (RNZ)
J RITCHIE: Threnody – Woolston Brass/ David Gallaher (Woolston Brass CDWB 3896340)
J RITCHIE: Fanfare from Partita for Brass Quintet – NZ Chamber Brass (Private recording)
J RITCHIE: Papanui Road - NZSO/ Marc Taddei (Trust MMT 2040)
