Elizabeth Layton, Edith Salzmann and Teddy Tahu Rhodes in New Zealand

'The beginning of August saw Elder Conservatorium staff Dr Elizabeth Layton, Edith Salzmann and Teddy Tahu Rhodes travelling to New Zealand for concerts and masterclasses. The first stop was the University of Canterbury in Christchurch. When preparing for the trip we discovered a wealth of links between the institutions: Christchurch is one of Adelaide's sister cities; the University of Canterbury is a core partner of the University of Adelaide; and the University School of Music building was built by Benjamin Mountfort, the architect who also built Elder Hall.

Professor Mark Menzies from UC was a great host, and right after arrival we found ourselves with Prof Menzies and pianist Michael Endres preparing for a concert on Monday evening. Teddy Tahu Rhodes joined us for Vaughan Williams songs, and the almost sold-out concert was very successful. A second concert on Tuesday involved local music teachers in a program including Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence. Several masterclasses followed this event; we were invited to teach at Christ's College, the North Canterbury Music Academy, The Pettman National Junior Academy, the University of Canterbury and finally, on our last day, the University of Auckland where we stopped over on the way home to discuss the upcoming Naxos recordings and additional possible research connections between the institutions.'

– Edith Salzmann