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Celebrating Jack Body

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It’s been a little bit over 6 months since Jack Body passed away and I thought it would be a good time to celebrate him and remember his extraordinary existence.

From challenging art exhibitions to exotic compositions, Jack has always been in his own creative league. Apart from his incredible output, it was his personality that made him the loving person that everyone will remember and miss. Awarded with the Icon Award by the Arts Foundation – regrettably, only days before he was gone – Jack has left us with an unsurpassed legacy of works than any other New Zealand composer.

Having studied at the New Zealand School of Music in 2010-2011, I was lucky enough to come into contact with him after being mesmerized with the Gamelan orchestra which he was partly responsible for bringing into the country many, many years before. Having taught at the NZSM for 30 years, Jack was a revered icon in the academic scene, yet his humble and funny attitude together with his placid nature and immense knowledge, made everyone feel like he was part of the family.

Without further ado, I leave you with links to our catalog where you can find music sheets, sound recordings, as well as his recently published book Jack! among other non-fiction material.

Visit his official website, his profile on Rattle and at Sounz , as well as some words from people who closely worked with him. Also, there will be a Gamelan gig (puppet show included!) at Saint Andrews at 30 The Terrace on the 26th of September at 3pm. More info here. Don’t miss also the upcoming “The Fall of Alengka” which will include the full puppet show!

I leave you this glorious little video of Jack immersed in the love of dance and music, courtesy of Wellington’s Gamelan Padhang Moncar. Enjoy!


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