HUGH DIXON
Born in 1927 in South Hurstville, Sydney, Hugh
moved to New Zealand in 1940 and except for a short period between 1977-79 when he taught
music in several Sydney high schools, has lived in New Zealand.
Hugh obtained M.Mus.(hons) from the
University of Auckland in 1968, studied science and music at Victoria University of
Wellington and music at Canterbury University of Christchurch before moving to Auckland
where he has lived most of his life. He was awarded an L.R.S.M. (1958)
and F.T.C.L. (1975) on trumpet and obtained a Diploma of Teaching from Wellington
Teachers' College (1950).
His career has spanned a wide range of music
teaching, in particular, brass instruments. It also embraced teaching general
science in secondary schools. For a period of 18 years he taught brass
instruments and music theory privately.
For seven years, Hugh was trumpet player in
The Symphonia of Auckland (now Auckland Philharmonia).
His considerable conducting experience
included 20 years with the National Secondary Schools Orchestral Holiday Courses.
Founder/conductor of the Auckland Youth Symphonic Band (1967-77) — it's senior group
is now called the Auckland Wind Orchestra. He was also founder/conductor of the
Phoenix Wind Ensemble (1982-87), later renamed Auckland Concert Band (but no longer
exists). He was conductor of the wind ensembles at the Cambridge Music Schools
(1982-84) and in 1982 he conducted Handel's Messiah for the South Auckland Choral Society
and Orchestra. He conducted a season of 31 performances of "The Mikado" at
the Mercury Theatre, Auckland in 1987 and St Mathew Chamber Orchestra Summer Concerts
1987-89. Between 1982 and 1987 he conducted and organised numerous chamber music
concerts.
Hugh has had several works recorded and
broadcast including "Nocturnes for Soprano and Horn" (1982), "Songs of
Mystic Jade" (original cycle 1984 - before revision ), "Five Shakespeare
Songs" (1986), "Mosaic for Wind Octet" (ABC 1990) and "Canto
Fermo 2001" (ABC 2001).
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