Elizabeth Braggins (and Olivia Wilson)
Elizabeth’s enthusiasm and aptitude for music led to her first music lessons when she was very little but after a few lessons her music teacher suggested she learn the alphabet first. She started learning music again a little later and continued to do so until her mid twenties. As a teenager she learned classical guitar, clarinet and the french horn but the piano and singing have always been her forte.
After completing her degree in music at University of Canterbury, Elizabeth earned a post-graduate degree at Teachers’ College and taught music in a number of high schools including an HOD position at the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School. She was also a tutor and Programme Leader at the Jazz School (Ara Institute of Canterbury).
‘Liz Braggins’ has been a familiar name on the Christchurch music scene. She has a unique style developed from many years of immersion in the music industry. Her highly original versions of well-known songs are an eclectic mix of genres highlighting her background in most musical styles.
Elizabeth is also known internationally for her piano playing, singing and composition. Her self-titled album which was produced by Nigel Stone and Malcolm McNeill was a showcase of Christchurch and Wellington musicians which went on to become a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards. Other albums include an album with Graham Wardrop, two albums with Janice Gray and one album with her vocal trio group ‘Volare’. She is currently completing a second solo album that was recorded on the Steinway piano at St Margaret’s College in the Charles Luney Auditorium.
Her recordings feature frequently on National Radio and she has appeared at many live events including the Christchurch International Jazz Festival, the Christchurch Arts Festival, the Waipara Wine and Food Celebration, the Wanganui Arts Festival and Toast Martinborough. Elizabeth has worked alongside some of New Zealand’s greatest musicians such as Nathan Haines, Caitlyn Smith, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, The Nairobi Trio, Ali Harper, The Warratahs, Beaver, Suzanne Lynch, Murray Wood, Tom Rainey, Malcolm McNeill, Stu Buchanan, Hayley Westernra, Don McGlashan, Midge Marsden and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
Elizabeth (or ‘Liz’ or ‘Lizzie’ or ‘MzLz’ ) now mainly performs locally and works from home recording, writing and arranging songs. She also teaches piano, vocals, performance and music theory from her studio four afternoons a week.
Joining Elizabeth in concert will be her daughter, Olivia Wilson. Although she is an Art Historian and works at the Canterbury Museum, Olivia also studied music through to achieving an Excellence in NCEA Level 3 at high school and is a long
standing member of the Christchurch Youth Choir. She has recorded frequently over the years and features as a backing vocalist on Elizabeth’s up-coming album.
$10 members, $15 non-members $5 students with ID
Doors open 7.00pm Performance starts at 7.30pm, you will get a seat if you arrive close to 7 pm.
VENUE: Irish Society Hall, 29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon
The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of well-lit off-street parking.
DOOR SALES CASH ONLY: Tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available for purchases only, no cash-out facility. Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your current membership card as this is required for club licensing. Non-members sign in at bar.
