John Wells: Composer
John Wells is one of New Zealand's busiest composers. He was commissioned by the Musica Sacra Trust to compose two complete sets of Evening Canticles (Magnificat and Nune Dimittis) which form the musical backbone of every Evensong the Choir presents. The first set was premiered in June 2008 and the second in March 2009 at the Choir's 5pm Evensong in St Matthew-in-the-City. His output includes a work in the Tongan choral tradition; Maori influences appear in other pieces. A full list of compositions is given in 'Publications'.
A second suite of choral pieces has now been completed for the Hibiscus Coast Singers and was very successfully premiered in July 2009. He is currently working on his first organ symphony for the Inauguration of the new organ in the Auckland Town Hall.
Reviews
"...one of the most striking and immediately enjoyable examples of contemporary writing..." [NZ Herald review of Quartet for violin, clarinet, cello and piano, 1974]
"I praise (this) unique achievement... a historic moment... the work will be a treasure." [Tamas Vesmas on The Well-Tempered Piano, 2007]
"John has done a fantastic, large-scale setting that's like a rocket going off, one of those moments when everything clicks into place." [Dr Indra Hughes on the Musica Sacra Canticles, Set 1 at their Christchurch Cathedral premiere, October 2008]
Recent Keyboard Works
The Well-Tempered Piano 2001-2007; 30 Preludes and Fugues in all keys, partially recorded for broadcast 2007
Fifth Suite for organ, commissioned 2005; recorded and broadcast 2006
Sixth Suite for organ, commissioned 2006; premier 2007; recorded for broadcast 2007
Partita on Wolvercote for organ, commissioned 2007
Recent Choral Works
Jade and Gold (second Choral Suite for SATB choir and piano); Evening Canticles (Set One) for organ and choir; Evening Canticles (Set Two) for unaccompanied double choir
Works in progress
Organ Symphony Fanfare on the Kokako (organ bird)
January 2010
