John Psathas

John Psathas, (born Ioannis Psathas, ; 1966) is a New Zealand Greek composer. He has works in the repertoire of such high-profile musicians as Evelyn Glennie, Michael Houstoun, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman and the New Juilliard Ensemble, and is one of New Zealand’s most frequently performed composers. He has established an international profile and receives regular commissions from organisations in New Zealand and overseas. Early life and education The son of Greek immigrant parents, Psathas grew up in Taumarunui and then Napier. He attended Napier Boys’ High School and left early to study composition and piano at Victoria University of Wellington. This work and Drum Dances have become part of the standard repertoire for percussionists around the world. Psathas’ collaboration with Evelyn Glennie has been long-standing and produced many commissioned works, including the 2001 double concerto for piano and percussion View From Olympus. Glennie has also released recordings of many of his works. A retrospective concert of Psathas’ chamber music was given in the 2000 New Zealand International Festival of the Arts, culminating with the premiere of the specially commissioned Piano Quinte