RITA PACZIAN TO RETIRE AS BACH MUSICA NZ MUSIC DIRECTOR

Bach Musica NZ has announced the retirement of Rita Paczian from her position as Music & Artistic Director at the end of the 2025 season.

Rita has been the driving force behind the organisation’s high standard of musicianship for over 31 years. Her dedication, enthusiasm, drive, energy and passion for music have transformed the group to firmly establish its position in the New Zealand performing arts.

A native of Germany, Rita became Bach Musica NZ’s music director in 1994. She brought with her to New Zealand her outstanding qualifications as a conductor, singer, organist and harpsichordist, her love of historically informed Baroque and Classical interpretation and her high standards of musicianship. In her non-negotiable dedication to excellence, a particular hallmark of her style is the ability to meaningfully model and patiently coach musical phrasing.

As she will retire at the end of the 2025 season, the Committee is actively seeking a replacement.

Bach Musica NZ is the country’s leading, combined vocal and choral ensemble. Performances range from Baroque through to modern. The organisation regularly supports emerging young vocal and instrumental talent as well as premiere performances of new compositions, providing an opportunity to perform with a world-class choir and orchestra.

Audiences will still have the chance to see Rita with Bach Musica NZ’s upcoming performances on Sunday 21 September and Sunday 7 December at the Auckland Town Hall.

BACH MUSICA NZ 2025 PROGRAMME:
World Premieres & Bach
Sunday 21 September 2025 at 5pm – Auckland Town Hall
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
Rita Paczian Conductor
Gina Sanders Soprano
Stephen Diaz Countertenor 

Best of Bach & Handel
Sunday 7 December 2025 at 5pm – Auckland Town Hall
Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.
Rita Paczian Conductor
Elizabeth Mandeno Soprano
Christie Cook Alto
Iain Tetley Tenor
James Harrison Baritone