Jennifer MCLEOD Obituary

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our revered composer and friend Jenny McLeod, a truly unique individual voice and enormously creative spirit who has made a giant contribution to music in the world and for New Zealand. James first got to know Jenny and her music in the early 90's and the creation of the musical ensemble CadeNZa, which as one of its first missions was to decipher the meaning and thoughts behind Jenny's almost unplayable "Fpr Seven". She was totally impressed that there was a New Zealand group of musicians who wanted and could perform this monumental work, and fast friendships were established from those days. During the past 2 years, both Katherine and Lara, after enjoying many of her compositions throughout their younger lives, experienced Jenny and her creative process up front and personal when the NZCS were presented with the 'gift' of her somewhat autobiographic trio `Dark Bright Night´, which has delighted our audiences when we toured NZ this year. Her bright spirit and energy which the commission inspired through the writing of the work and the eventual coming together for the pre-premiere refinements, will live with us forever, as will her hearty laugh and the delightful stories. She was such a totally supportive person who respected all musicians, the 'mission' of the transformative power of music, and her audience for which she strived to write challenging yet accessible music for all. For this all of New Zealand should be proud and thankful for sharing our time with such a unique, creative force of nature. Rest in peace dear Jenny. We will carry you always in our hearts and through your music.

I thought she was a permanent fixture in my Composer friends. Sadly she and Hirini Melbourne are gone. Her music will live on and the memory of a gifted, warm human being will also live on.
Compose forever Dear Jenny.
Stuart Lithgow