Threads and emerging patterns: some recent developments in New Zealand music

Abstract

Since 1984 there has been a deliberate and rapid internationalisation of New Zealand's business and financial position. This change in political attitude has also wrought major social and cultural changes. In music, the divergent philosophical pulls of ideas such as internationalism, postcolonialism, postmodernism, commercialisation and 'world music' have generated a changed atmosphere for composers, performers and audiences. The demise of the musical avant-garde has allowed a successful renegotiation of communication between professional musicians and listeners.