Henry Nicholson is an Ōtautahi Christchurch-based based violinist, conductor and artistic director. He completed a Master of Music majoring in performance violin and conducting with Professor Mark Menzies and Associate Professor Justin DeHart at the University of Canterbury in 2023, having graduated from Burnside High School in 2017. As part of his research, Henry studied both modern and historical performance practice, as well as researching and analysing instrumental music of the early Baroque period. He studied conducting with Dr Helen Renaud and Professor Mark Menzies, and has been an active participant in the CSO Conducting Masterclass with CSO Chief Conductor Benjamin Northey.
As a conductor, Henry conducts numerous community choirs including Risingholme Singers and Canterbury Singers. He was appointed Assistant Conductor of the UC Christchurch Youth Orchestra in 2020. He took over the role of Community Choir Director from Sandra Norquay for the Christchurch Choral Festival in 2020. Henry was invited to conduct and play in ensembles at the CANZ Nelson Composers Workshop in both 2020 and 2021. He also sings, plays and occasionally conducts for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament Choir and Orchestra, also being their music administrator.
Henry’s experience playing the violin spans nearly 20 years, performing various styles with a special focus on 16-17th century experimental renaissance and baroque works, and contemporary compositions by living composers. He is often found playing with ensembles touring and performing across New Zealand. In 2023 and beyond, Henry leads performances of often newly-found experimental pieces from all time periods in concerts around New Zealand.