​SAMUEL GRAY

Composer, pianist & translator

New Zealand composer Samuel Gray (b. 1977) is a graduate of the Universities of Oslo and Vienna. His often political works draw their musical inspiration from his background as a classical and free jazz pianist, percussionist and guitarist, and from the European cultures he has immersed himself in since age 18.

Although a translator by profession and predominantly an autodidact as a composer, Samuel (Sam) has attended several master classes given by established European and US composition lecturers; to date, his works have been performed in six countries. His first orchestral commission – a symphony for youth orchestra – is to be premiered in Latvia in November 2019.  Sam also serves on the board of the Upper Austrian Composers' Association.

Though based in Austria and Switzerland, Samuel firmly considers New Zealand his home/ tūrangawaewae. He is of Ngati Mamoe-Ngai Tahu and Ngati Kahungunu, Scottish, German Jewish and English descent.