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Passing the Torch

Two generations in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest

This Saturday, eight ensembles will take the stage at the 2025 NZCT Chamber Music Contest National Final — a celebration of 60 years of youth music-making in Aotearoa. As we mark this milestone, we’re honouring the friendships, mentorships, and family legacies that have shaped the Contest since 1965.

For the Fotheringham whānau, it’s a legacy that spans two generations. Philippa first performed in the Contest as a teenager. Now a flautist with the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra, she’s watched her children Callum and Emily find their own paths through the Contest — forming ensembles, building friendships, and discovering the joy of playing together.

This year, Emily’s group Make Some Moyse reached the Southern Regional Final and received the KBB Award.

Emily Fotheringham (right) with her ensemble Make Some Moyse at the 2025 Southern Regional Final of the 60th NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

Callum, an oboist, is minoring in music at university and continues to perform with an ensemble, the Youth Orchestra, and the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra. The siblings have even played together in ensembles for the Contest.

Callum, Philippa and Emily backstage before a concert.

Philippa recalls how formative those early experiences were. “Reflecting back on my high school years, I appreciate just how much of a safe space the music community was, a really tight knit group of like-minded kids.”

A highlight of the Contest for Emily was working with professional musicians through CMNZ's Contest mentoring programme for student ensembles. “A couple of years ago, we met Bridget Douglas (Principal Flute, NZSO) and she helped us improve our piece,” she recalls. “We all look up to her. And when she comes to Dunedin and she sees us, she says hi. Making these connections has been really, really fun.”

In honour of the Contest’s 60th anniversary, and to make stories like these possible for the next generation, will you donate $60 to support young musicians in Aotearoa?

Yes, I will support Aotearoa's young musicians

Chamber Music New Zealand would like to acknowledge the support of the Freemasons Foundation, the NZSO Foundation, and Trinity College London for the NZCT Chamber Music Contest's mentoring programme.

Passing the Torch

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