- fewer and better-rehearsed operas, important repertory, a schedule of commissions - are, in my view, right on the mark.

Lawson is also a composer of choral music in his own right with more than a hundred published works, and has a busy schedule of commissions from choirs and a cappella groups.

Psathas studied further with composer Jacqueline Fontyn in Belgium before returning to New Zealand, where he has since lectured in music at Victoria University and continued to fulfil a busy schedule of commissions.

In 2009 he left this position to fulfill to a greater capacity his hectic freelance schedule of commissions, workshops, residencies, teaching and conducting engagements, as well as his new position on the Board of the International Federation for Choral Music, a project of UNESCO.