John Ritchie (composer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Ritchie
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
John Anthony Ritchie
29 September 1921 Wellington, New Zealand
|
| Died | 29 September 2014 (aged 93) Christchurch, New Zealand
|
| Alma mater | University of Otago |
| Employer | University of Canterbury |
| Known for | Composer, conductor, music educator |
|
Notable work
|
Concertino for Clarinet and String Orchestra (1957) Ergo Tua Rura Manebunt (1973) Aquarius: Suite No. 2 for String Orchestra (1982) Papanui Road Overture |
| Relatives | Anthony Ritchie (son) |
John Anthony Ritchie (born September 29, 1921 – died September 29, 2014) was a talented New Zealand composer. He was also a music professor at the University of Canterbury.
About John Ritchie
John Ritchie was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1921. He loved music from a young age. He went to the University of Otago to study music. He earned his Diploma of Music in 1943. The next year, he received his Bachelor of Music degree. He also trained to be a teacher at Dunedin Teachers' College. Later, he studied at Harvard University in the United States. His son, Anthony Ritchie, also became a composer.
Serving His Country
During World War II, John Ritchie served in the navy. He was a sub-lieutenant in the Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve. He was a pilot in the Fleet Air Arm.
A Career in Music
In 1946, John Ritchie started working at Canterbury University College. This is now known as the University of Canterbury. He began as a junior lecturer in music. Over the years, he became the head of the music department. In 1962, he became a professor. He also led the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts. From 1977 to 1980, he was the university's deputy vice-chancellor. He retired in 1985. After retiring, he was given the special title of professor emeritus.
John Ritchie was a very skilled clarinet player. In 1958, he started his own group called the John Ritchie String Orchestra. This orchestra later grew into the famous Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. He was also a conductor, leading many musical performances.
As a composer, John Ritchie wrote many different kinds of music. He wrote pieces for:
- Choirs (groups of singers)
- Instrumental ensembles (small groups of musicians)
- Brass bands
- Orchestras
He was in charge of the music for big events. This included the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. He also directed music for the 1986 visit of Pope John Paul II to New Zealand.
Awards and Recognition
John Ritchie received many honors for his work. In 1981, he became a member of the International Music Council. In 1992, he received an award from the Composers Association of New Zealand. This award was for his great service to New Zealand music. He was also an honorary life member of the International Society for Music Education. In 2000, the University of Canterbury gave him an honorary Doctor of Music degree.
John Ritchie passed away in Christchurch in 2014. It was on his 93rd birthday.
