Michael Stewart Mus.B, First Class Honours (University of Canterbury), M.Mus (McGill University)

michael@tudor-consort.org.nz

With over fifteen years professional experience both in New Zealand and abroad, Michael Stewart is a versatile musician who is equally comfortable directing and accompanying choirs, as well as enjoying a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading concert organists. He is currently Music Director of The Tudor Consort, Director of Music of The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and a member of Tower Voices New Zealand.

Michael was awarded a Bachelor of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Canterbury and also held the inaugural John Robert Godley Organ Scholarship to Christ Church Cathedral, Christchurch. He was the recipient of a Dame Malvina Major Arts Excellence Award in 2002, which enabled him to pursue further study at McGill University (Montréal, Canada). He was awarded a McGill Organ Scholarship for study at that prestigious university, where he graduated with a Master of Music degree majoring in 2004. Given that Montréal has one of the most thriving early music scenes in North America, Michael was exposed to the latest performance practice techniques and theory, as well as taking part in historically accurate performances of works by Monteverdi, Grigny, and others. During his time there, Michael held the position of Assistant Organist at The Church of St Andrew and St Paul, which boasts the foremost music programme in Canada.

He has recorded for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and Radio New Zealand — Concert. Since completing his Master’s degree at McGill University, Michael was selected to compete at organ competitions in Dublin, Ireland, and in Erfurt, Germany. He has recorded two solo organ CDs: Puissant and Ave maris stella.

Since arriving in Wellington in 2006, Michael has quickly become established in the musical scene as a choral conductor. In 2007 he became Music Director of The Tudor Consort and Director of The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and has recently joined the artistic team of the Tower New Zealand Youth Choir.

“The fame of The Tudor Consort… seems to ensure a series of gifted conductors able to draw from the singers performances of supreme artistry.” — The Dominion Post (2008)

“Michael Stewart… is maintaining the ensemble perfection, expressive variety and stylistic awareness that have always been the choir’s greatest distinction” — The Dominion Post (2007) 

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