Musical Director

Media Release - 6 May 2011

Max Stewart, the popular and successful Musical Director of Cantando Choir, whose musical skills have given so much pleasure to singers and audiences alike, is to retire from that position at the end of the year. “There are moments when I regret submitting my resignation” Says Max. “However, I then realise that the task of preparing three major concerts during the year, rehearsing at pace to achieve the best possible standard that we can reach, and the natural stress of performing concerts to large audiences, convinces me that I am not as young as I would like to be. I also feel it will be advantageous for the choir to have a fresh face as their conductor, bringing new skills, abilities and music with which to expand their repertoire and capability.”

While Max has been leading the choir it has grown, not only in membership but in the range of music that is performed, with this year a good illustration of the diversity of musical styles. In the recent ANZAC concert the choir sang a selection of more traditional choral music to commemorate that special day. As a complete contrast, on 13 and 14 August, Swing music will feature, and the choir is joined by an exciting line-up of talented jazz musicians, including Max’s son, Michael, on tenor sax. The mood changes again in December when the choir performs Handel’s Messiah.

“This is a fantastic group of singers.” Says Max. “From youngest to oldest, beginner to experienced, they have proved a delight to work with in preparing a variety of programmes for concerts during the seven and a half years I have been their Musical Director.”

Cantando is advertising widely in its quest to find a new Musical Director to begin in January 2012. The Appointment web page contains detailed information about the choir, the Job Description and the Application Requirements. Applications close 30 June.

R. Max Stewart

Max Stewart Following his early years in Southland learning piano, violin, clarinet and saxophone Max's conducting career began with establishing and leading school choirs.

Music Festivals led to Gang Shows and more ambitious undertakings including conducting both the Southland and Southern Youth Orchestras as well as performances with the Southland Symphonia, Choral and Operatic Societies. 

Promotion to the position of Senior Adviser in School Music for the Waikato offered extended opportunities in music making including conducting the Waikato Youth Orchestra for 14 years as well as some concerts with the Waikato Symphony Orchestra, Hamilton Chorale and again many and varied musicals.

Retiring from the position of Senior Lecturer in Music Education at the School of Education he continued to retain an interest in the Youth Orchestra as librarian.

In 2004 he was delighted to accept the position of Deputy Conductor of Cantando Choir and later in the year became the Musical Director.