New Zealand Symphony Orchestra conductor and Music Director Edo de Waart has told Upbeat how important good funding for the arts is.
Edo de Waart leads the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Photo: Stephen A'Court Photography
De Waart told Upbeat presenter David Morriss that proper funding of orchestras and other arts in New Zealand helps protect our legacy.
“You should be so lucky that you have it [orchestral music],” he says. “The soul of a city or country is in the art.
“If that doesn’t exist you get empty cities with millions of people with nothing.”
The Government subsidises the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to the tune of $14.6 million per year. The rest of the NZSO’s operating costs are covered by sponsorship.
The Phoenix Foundation with the NZSO Photo: RNZ/Kirsten Johnstone
De Waart argues that we need more investment into the arts, rather than on things like F16 fighter jets; he says the cost of one fighter jet would cover the country’s entire arts budget.
The Music Director has also thrown down a challenge to our politicians; he says they need to care about the arts and he’s invited those decision makers to attend performances.
“It can be hell to talk to politicians about the arts. Arts has no votes,” he says. “Very few [politicians] are cultured enough to realise what makes a country.”
Edo de Waart, Music Director of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Photo: Jesse Willems
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has already visited an NZSO rehearsal during her term. De Waart was able to talk with her.
“It was nice to say something normal to someone who hopefully will take an interest in the Arts knowing there are not many votes [to be gained there] but real value,” he says.
