New Zealand Composer Opens Olympic Games

Rattle artist John Psathas has been composing for a larger audience of late. Around 3 billion people heard his Olympic games opening music in the opening ceremony on August 14. 

John, who also teaches at the Victoria School of Music, was chosen from more than 600 international composers to write and arrange 13 pieces of music for the Athens Olympics, including the official fanfares and ceremonial music during the opening ceremony.

It took John seven months and four trips to Greece to complete the project, which involved creating music for up to 250 musicians to record for the Olympics opening ceremony. This included compositions and arrangements for the Olympic Flag, the arrival and setting of the flame, and music for the fireworks.

"I thought I was chosen because I was Greek but, it had nothing to do with this. The musical director had heard the Fanfare I wrote for the opening of Te Papa in 1997 and were taken by my composing style".

"They were originally interested only in asking me to compose the Olympic fanfares, but, after exploring my music, they approached me to compose and arrange a much greater part of the event, in fact, more than any other composer involved in the opening ceremony."

New Zealand independent record label Rattle has enjoyed a long standing relationship with the Wellington based composer which now extends over 11 years and three CDs. His debut album 'Rhythm Spike' won classical album of the year at the 2000 New Zealand Music Awards.

Rattle released John's debut recording Maitre's Dance as part of the 1993 showcase compilation of new New Zealand artists 'Different Tracks'.

However John Psathas' personal artistic vision was first realized comprehensively in 'Rhythm Spike'. The association continued with Rattle partner Steve Garden producing Fragments for associate label Trust Records, and future projects are planned.

John believes his achievement proves there are no limits in pursuing major global endeavours while being based in New Zealand, a sentiment which echoes the increasing growth of New Zealand cultural exports in recent years - particularly music.

www.rattle.co.nz

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