Coromind - Issue 34 - October25 - Coromandel's Collaborative Magazine - Flipbook - Page 29
MOMENTS...
You may have seen her waving her arms about for the children
of Mercury Bay’s Performing Arts production of Aladdin in May
this year, or seen her teaching music at a rehearsal.
However, what many may not realise is that Raewyn Watkins,
who moved permanently to Whitianga in December last year, is
in fact a seasoned and experienced performer in her own right,
with more than 40 years on stage to her name.
keyboards for bands like Autozamm and Opshop, and on the
NZSO recording for Peter Jackson’s King Kong, as well as
arranging music for the likes of Shihad, The Exponents, Shona
Laing, and The Lady Killers.
Overseas, Stephen has played piano for Belinda Carlisle, Missy
Higgins, Michael Bolton, and Mel C (Spice Girls), alongside
David Foster (Josh Groban/Whitney Houston) and many more.
Treading the boards of Hamilton’s Founders Theatre from age
14, performing in many shows, and gaining an impressive CV,
including lead roles in Die Fledermaus alongside Dame Malvina
Major, plus the role of Ellen in Miss Saigon, and more.
One highlight for Stephen was orchestrating music for the
London Symphony Orchestra, which was recorded at Abbey
Road Studios. A full-circle moment, given his thesis on The
Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s album for his doctorate.
Raised in the Waikato, Raewyn has never forgotten the tutelage
gained from older performers and teachers. Now, as an adult,
with not only experience but also formal training to her name,
she feels passionately about giving back and supporting those
keen on taking to the stage.
After returning from Stanford University, Raewyn’s own
concerts, Moments of Time in Hamilton, sold out almost a
month before opening, with Stephen at the musical helm, also
taking charge of the Steinway grand. The Meteor was turned
into an intimate jazz club where, in the words of Sam Edwards of
the Waikato Times review, “Real jazz returns.” Edwards noted,
“Raewyn Watkins sang classics, putting her own version on
things. Drawing together voices from the past and the present
to create her own identi昀椀able sound.”
This led her to accept the role of tutor of the Musical Theatre
classes at Riverlea Theatre in Hamilton. “It was such a thrill to
watch students develop throughout the year, to see them shine.
That is why I got involved with Mercury Bay’s production of
Aladdin, after living here for only seven weeks. I’m passionate
about supporting the next generation of performers,” she says.
Raewyn embarked on a new musical journey, auditioning for
and being accepted into the prestigious Stanford University
Jazz Vocal Program in California, where she was tutored by
some of the world’s foremost jazz specialists, including Dena
DeRose (multiple Grammy-nominated artist).
It was around this time that Raewyn reconnected with school
friend Stephen Small.
Studying classical piano and composition at Guildhall School of
Music, London, he holds a Master of Arts in Popular Musicology
and a Doctorate of Musical Arts.
Stephen has gone on to become one of New Zealand’s busiest
producers, arrangers, and piano players. He has played
ONE NighT wiTh
RaEwyN waTkiNS
& STEphEN SMall,
NOT TO bE MiSSEd!
8 November, 8pm
Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret Bar
18 Coghill Street, Whitianga
After a short break, her brainchild Orchestral Moments concerts
came to fruition. Popular music by the likes of The Beatles,
Elton John, The Eagles, and more was set to beautiful original
string arrangements by Stephen Small, backed by members of
Opus Orchestra.
Since moving to Whitianga, Raewyn has started taking
on private students who are looking to develop their vocal
performance skills, interpretation, technique, and connection
with their audience.
Raewyn is thrilled to be able to secure Stephen Small once
again, for one night only at Monkey House on 8 November.
This will be a relaxed, one-night-only event of moody jazz,
blues, and swing.
One night… not to be missed!
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漀爀
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Or visit www.event昀椀nda.co.nz/2025/
a-night-of-jazz-blues-swing/whitianga
