About ORGANZAbout ORGANZ
ORGANZ (The New Zealand Association of Organists, formed in 1961) is the national society for the organ community in New Zealand. Membership is open both to organists and others with an interest in the instrument.
Its aims include:
- the promotion of interest in and knowledge of organ music, organs, organ building and similar matters
- encouraging young people and others to learn to play the organ and help them develop their skills
- stimulating interest in the preservation of important New Zealand organs
- encouraging research into the organ, its composers, music, history and construction.
Membership is generally through one of the five affiliated regional organists' associations located in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Otago - Southland. Through newsletters, concerts, educational events, organ tours and social events, the regional associations enable members to participate fully in the organ culture of their respective areas.
People interested in joining should contact their nearest association - see links on this website. Those residing overseas or in an area without a regional association are encouraged to join ORGANZ directly as a personal member.
All members receive the journal "ORGANZ News" several times a year, as part of their membership entitlement.
A national Congress of Organists, held annually over the first weekend of June (Queen's Birthday) is the highlight of the year. It is attended by members from all parts of the country. Typically the programme features concerts, workshops, master classes, organ tours and lectures as well as social events. Details of Congress 2008 to be held in Auckland are now available.