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RICHARD MAPP

Richard made his solo debut at the age of 12 with the Christchurch Civic Orchestra, playing Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 1. He studied with Ernest Empson, a Godowsky pupil, and later at the University of Otago with Maurice Till, also a student of Empson. Richard studied with Gordon Green at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he later held a teaching fellowship. He also received coachings from William Pleeth (cellist and teacher of Jacqueline Du Pre) and the Beaux Arts Trio.

After a successful debut at Wigmore Hall, Richard held solo and recital engagements in Europe, Scandinavia and North America. He has performed extensively across the United Kingdom and Australasia, and in Germany, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Malta, and Canada. Richard has recorded six CDs and his recordings are frequently heard on RNZ Concert.

After 16 years of performing and teaching overseas, Richard returned to New Zealand in 1991 and has since co-founded the Bay of Islands Arts Festival, toured for Chamber Music New Zealand, and performed as a concerto soloist with all major orchestras including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. He has appeared as chamber music partner with many leading musicians in the country, including the New Zealand String Quartet.

Richard has taught piano at the University of Waikato, the University of Canterbury, and the Massey Conservatorium of Music in Wellington. He currently teaches piano at Te Kōkī New Zealand School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington and the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts.