COMPOSER John Psathas noticed a marked improvement in his children’s behaviour when he got rid of the family television.
“They stopped asking for crap. Their conversation got so much more interesting, it wasn’t all about Hannah Montana anymore. They seemed more stable and balanced, and became more physical.”
One of the movements (Out-Dreaming the Genie) in his newest composition Djinn was inspired by the effects of television on children, and how different kids’ shows are from when he was growing up.
“As my kids get older I have been thinking about the influence of TV and how I remember it all as safe danger. You always knew it would be ok in shows like Charlie’s Angels.”
But these days, less so.
Djinn, a concerto for marimba and orchestra, was inspired by his close friend, Portuguese percussionist Pedo Carneiro, who performed in Psathas’ spectacular View From Olympus.
That was his “coming out as a Greek” composed. Since then most of what he has done has been influenced by his heritage.
Psathas’ ancestors come from a village in Turkey but his roots are in Greek culture. His parents moved to New Zealand in the 1960s, and he began composing music when he was only 11. He went on to study piano, play jazz as a student, and perform in a local Greek band for 10 years.
“Outside New Zealand I am considered a Greek composer as well as New Zealand.”
But as far as he is concerned it is not that simple.
“I feel like both (a Kiwi and a Greek) and neither. Not feeling bound by either is a kind of freedom but being nothing is a kind of a cultural isolation. I am lucky enough to take the best from both cultures like a magpie.”
Psathas is particularly excited about working with Carneiro this week a the Town Hall.
“I like that he dances when he plays the marimba, his wife happens to be a dancer and a choreographer.
“I think he is destined to make an historic contribution to percussion.”
Stravinsky’s Danses Concertantes, Psathas’ Djinn, Beethoven’s Eroica, solo by Pedro Carneiro, with the Vector Wellington Orchestra, conducted by Marc Taddei, Town Hall, 7.30pm, Apr 17.