Remembering Sir David Gascoigne

It is with great sadness and deep respect that we acknowledge the passing of Sir David Gascoigne, whose remarkable contribution to the arts and opera in New Zealand leaves an enduring legacy.

Donald reflects on the privilege and pleasure of knowing and working alongside Sir David Gascoigne over many years. What began with a conversation at an arts event in Auckland in the early 1980s grew into a long and valued association, filled with wonderful experiences and a shared passion for the arts.

In the early 1980s I was invited to attend an event in the TVNZ, HQ in Victoria street Auckland. The occasion was an Auckland launch of the NZ Festival of the Arts based in Wellington. The expansive foyer was well crowded with invitees and the principal speaker was a tall very engaging gentleman, David Gascoigne, who presented a most enthusiastic promotion for the Festival. I engaged in conversation with David and thus began many years of undeniably rich experiences.

Following the merger of Opera New Zealand (Auckland) and Wellington City Opera in the year 2000 David was appointed to the role of Chairman of the new company New Zealand Opera, which is what we have today.

One of the requests David made in agreeing to the position was that the Arts Foundation Technical Manager, Alex Reedijk would be considered to take the position of the (now vacant) General Director of the new company. This was agreed to. Much of David’s enthusiasm for this appointment was the splendid contribution Alex had made to the Edinburgh Festival in Wellington. Isn’t it a fulfilment of this confidence in Alex that he has now for more than twenty years successfully managed Scottish Opera resulting in his being awarded OBE by His Majesty King Charles III.

During this time, on the recommendation of John Shaw, the former Secretary of Opera New Zealand, the NZ Opera Foundation Trust was established in 2003 with the founding Trustees being Sir David, Greg Aim (Wellington) and Donald Trott.

Sir David continued as Chair until demands of his role at Government House were such that the chairmanship was passed to John Meads, who continues as Chair. The Trust has, is a result of bequests and donations, playing a significant part in safeguarding opera in New Zealand.

In addition to the Foundation the New Zealand Opera Company continued very successfully during the Chairmanship of Sir David and being very much engaged on a regular basis with Sir David was not only a privilege but a pleasure. When David’s wife Dame Patsy was appointed Governor General if New Zealand, David’s sterling and faithful contribution to her very busy schedule made Sir David’s Chairmanship of the Opera Company a considerable demand on him and his time but he faithfully continued his role and needing from time to time to call upon Trustee Bill Falconer CNZM to chair some meetings of occasionally myself.

Our sympathy is sent to Dame Patsy (herself at one stage a Trustee of Opera New Zealand) and the extended family. Sir David, you will be missed.