Ivan Zagni

Ivan Zagni was born in Norwich, England on 16-10-42. Sang as a boy chorister at Norwich St John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral. Began guitar lessons at age 12. 1961-4 member of "The News" rock and roll band with whom he recorded two singles The Entertainer and This is the moment (Decca). 1964 moved to London working (1964-7) as a freelance guitarist, composer and arranger, session musician for Decca, Transatlantic and Major Minor Records, and guitarist touring with a variety of bands. 1967-9 formed new band "Jody Grind", released an album One Step On (Transatlantic), and toured Britain and Europe. 1969 joined "Blue Whale" group with Aynsley Dunbar (ex-Zappa), UK and Europe tours, radio and TV appearances, and release of album Blue Whale (Byg Records). Published numerous songs. 1970 return to Norwich; private study in composition and piano. Became Choir Master (1971-7) at St John the Baptist Cathedral composing a number of works for the Cathedral. 1977 return to London to experiment with free improvisation; composing, recording and performing with "3's Company" and "The Electric String Trio". Moved to New Zealand in 1980 to settle with NZ-born wife Jan Geary (one child, Billie). Working 1980 to date as a freelance musician, teacher and composer based in Auckland. Has collaborated with Don McGlashan in Standards (EP, Propellor Records), and with Steve Garden in A Selection of Trouble Spots (LP Ode Records). Music Director of Artwork Music Schemes: Big Sideways (Feb 1983) 10-piece band, and Avant Garage (Aug 1983) (LP, Unsung Records). With Peter Scholes formed duo called 'Music on the Wall" undertaking national tour, 1985, of 30 schools for the Music Federation of New Zealand. 1986 (6 months) Composer in Residence at Glenfield College. 1989/90 first Composer in Residence with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Awards include major grants from QEII Arts Council 1984, 88, 90.