Peter Coates is what can only be described as a true ‘Renaissance Man’.

Peter Coates has several lifelong passions, including: being an acclaimed opera singer, a director, a major pioneering television creator in New Zealand (directing or producing over 390 programmes from soap operas to documentaries). His work particularly championed arts on TV, rugby documentaries and programmes about disability.

Peter has also pursued a career as an artist who has exhibited internationally, including at the prestigious Mexico International Watercolour Biennial and the National Art Museum of China.

Peter was also a major force in the New Zealand Opera scene, both here and abroad, having worked on major operas for the NZ Opera Company, Wellington City Opera, De La Tour Opera, and TVNZ. Productions that he has worked on include: The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel, to name but a few.

When Peter approached the Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library about staging a retrospective art exhibition we jumped at the opportunity. That exhibition is now open.

Ruth Gotlieb (Kilbirnie) Library

Exhibition runs until 26 May.

In this audio interview, Peter talks candidly and extensively about his life, career and art.

This interview was done in conjunction with Caffeine and Aspirin, the arts and entertainment review show on Radioactive FM.

All art is copyright Peter Coates and used with kind permission.