Multi award-winning composer, violinist, and pianist, Isaac Shatford, says he took Materials Technology instead of Music to start with at St Andrew’s College, until Head of Music, Duncan Ferguson, changed his mind as he headed into Year 10. “It was such a blast. I’m glad he did.”

Isaac says he never considered composition until studying NCE A Music at St Andrew’s. “If we had a crazy idea for a project, we were passionate about, we were encouraged to pursue it. It’s pretty special. I can’t name a Music Department quite as audacious. By Year 13, there was no question in my mind that I would study Music at university.”

After graduating from University of Otago with a Bachelor of Music with first-class Honours, majoring in Composition and Performance Violin, Isaac has composed music in an eclectic range of styles – from orchestral and chamber music to jazz and musical theatre. His work has been performed all over New Zealand.

He is currently working with Te Manu Tīoriori Trust, workshopping and recording his musical Ruth, which was inspired by the pandemic. “We have a stellar cast and creative team Zooming in from all over Australasia. When I’m not busy completing the underscore, I’m a permanent section violinist in the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.”