Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (APO) today announced the appointment of Jess Hindin as Music Director of Sistema Aotearoa.
Ms Hindin has been a tutor with Sistema Aotearoa since it launched in Otara in 2011, and the APO is delighted she has taken on this significant role. “Jess is a hugely experienced professional musician and has been a key part of Sistema Aotearoa from the start,” says Ros Giffney, Programme Manager of Sistema Aotearoa. “She has an excellent rapport with the students, tutors and staff, and this is a wonderful step for the programme,” she adds.
As Music Director, Ms Hindin will be responsible for developing and managing all aspects of the musical direction of Sistema Aotearoa. APO administers Sistema Aotearoa with support from Creative New Zealand, and APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser says programme is poised for growth following this latest appointment. “The future of Sistema Aotearoa is buoyed by Jess’s appointment. We know she shares our passion for Sistema Aotearoa as an effective and vibrant programme in Otara, and as an inspirational and fun place for students to learn.”
Ms Hindin says she is looking forward to taking on the role. “It has been a privilege to watch these children grow into confident young musicians over the past five years,” she says. “Sistema Aotearoa relies on the support of whanau and community for it to thrive, and I admire the way the community has ensured this programme has become part of the cultural landscape of Otara.”
Bill Takerei, member of the Sistema Aotearoa Steering Group and chairperson of the Otara Network Action Committee, says Ms Hindin is a familiar face to the Otara community. “Jess’s experience and knowledge are certainly important factors in the role, but beyond that, it is important that Sistema Aotearoa is led by people who understand the culture of South Auckland, and Jess has been a fixture in our community for a long time.”
Jess Hindin gained a degree in Performance Violin (First Class Honours) at The University of Auckland School of Music. Following her studies, she successfully auditioned for the internationally touring world music stage show ‘Barrage’, based in Alberta, Canada. After almost six years of extensive touring, encompassing five continents and multiple international television appearances, she returned home to continue a career as a freelance musician.
Since then Ms Hindin has toured the length of New Zealand and internationally with different shows and bands. She also regularly records and performs for artists across various musical genres, and for television advertisements and movie soundtracks.
Alongside her role as Music Director of Sistema Aotearoa, Ms Hindin will also be retaining her professional performing career, something the APO has identified as bringing much benefit to the Sistema Aotearoa programme.