Jonathan Crehan’s first compositional success came through being a finalist in the Auckland Philharmonia’s Young Composer Competition (2001) with War and Peace. In 2003 his orchestral work, Accolade Overture won the NPO/Puke Ariki Composition Competition’s under 20’s Prize. Subsequently, the work had multiple performances by the orchestra. 2004 saw the double premier of a substantial work, Aftermath for cello and piano, commissioned by the New Plymouth City Choir for their mid-year concert.

Jonathan entered Victoria University of Wellington in 2005. He completed a first-class Bmus(Hons) in composition over four years, studying under John Psathas and Jack Body amongst others. During this time he had many new works performed at the university.

Thanks to two generous scholarships, Jonathan was able to study privately with Sir William Southgate in 2008. As Sir William’s only student, they worked closely together, and built on his composition technique, advanced orchestration and conducting skills. Jonathan was awarded the Composer-in-Residence position at Samuel Marsden Collegiate for 2008, and was invited to continue for another year.

He was the 2008 Winner of the Orpheus Publications Composition Competition (Australia). Jonathan also won the 7th ADAM International Cello Festival Young Composer Competition in 2008 with his piece, Fantasia Festa. Another notable achievement was the Special Commendation that he gained for his work, Celebration in the Wallbrook Singers Composition Competition (United Kingdom) in 2008, which received 136 international entrants.

In 2009 Jonathan’s music became international, with performances in New York, Chicago, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur amongst others. He attended the Manila Composer’s Lab in June, had a work performed at the Yogyakarta Contemporary Music Festival in October, and in November became the winner of the Classical Marimba League Composition Competition in the USA.

Jonathan continues to work hard, and create building blocks for a career in music. He is passionate about his vocation, and is committed to becoming a consummate composer and conductor.