Honouring a Life in Music: Peter de Blois ONZM
We’re proud to acknowledge that Peter de Blois, an Otago Boys’ High School Old Boy (1980-1984), has been awarded an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to music.
Peter has devoted his life to music - as a singer, choral conductor, and educator. A founding member of the Dunedin Youth Choir and former member and Assistant Musical Director of the New Zealand Youth Choir, his talent and leadership have shaped choral music in Aotearoa and beyond.
He sang with the Ely Cathedral Choir in the UK, examined for Trinity College London, and served as Director of Music at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland from 2000-2010 - establishing children’s choirs, chorister scholarships, and leading music at significant state and civic events.
Peter has also been a national and regional adjudicator for The Big Sing and has held teaching and leadership roles in both New Zealand and the UK. Now based at Southland Girls’ High School, he directs the all-comers choir Sanguine and co-directs Femme, a regular at The Big Sing National Finale.
In recognition of his long-standing service to church music in New Zealand, he is also an Honorary Associate of The Royal School of Church Music.
Congratulations, Peter - your old school is proud.