Emily Mair
Senior lecturer, Head of Vocal Studies
ONZM, LRAM, ARCM
Emily Mair joined Victoria University in 1988 as Head of the vocal programme.
In her renowned career as a teacher Emily Mair has given master classes in
various New Zealand centres and in the United States, trained choruses for many
operas, and produced and directed several operas. She has twice accompanied pupils,
winners of the Mobil Song Quest, on concert tours in America, Britain, Hungary
and Sicily.
Emily Mair graduated in 1946 from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music in Glasgow
with 1st study Piano and 2nd study Voice. In 1947, she gained a Caird Scholarship
to study at the Royal College of Music, London. She was a member of the BBC chorus
for three years, working as both a singer and pianist. She has performed with
the Glyndebourne Opera Company and given chamber music concerts as a singer and
pianist throughout Britain. In 1965, she came to New Zealand with her husband,
Wilfred Simenauer, and her two sons. She joined the New Zealand Opera Company
that year, singing leading roles throughout the country and on television. Her
most memorable roles include: Adina in L’elisir d’amore,
Anne in The Rake’s Progress, Musetta in La Boheme, and
Mozart’s Susanna and Despina. She has been a soloist with the New Zealand
Symphony Orchestra in performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony,
Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony, Mahler’s 4th Symphony,
Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Berg’s Four Fragments.
Over the years she has also performed with other orchestras throughout the country.
She was a finalist in the 1999 Wellingtonian of the Year (Arts Section), and
in 2000 received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International.
In 2001 she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services
to music and singing. Throughout her long and distinguished career, Emily Mair
has continued to convey her passion for music to both students and audiences alike.
Contact details
Room: 304C, School of Music
Phone: +64 4 463 5858
Email: emily.mair@vuw.ac.nz
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Last Updated:
December 7, 2007
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