Fergus Fry

Fergus Fry is a composer of instrumental, fixed media, and live sonic arts pieces, often merging traditional and experimental approaches. His diverse creative output explores stylistic boundaries, incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and pop into contemporary classical frameworks, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and multimedia projects. Fergus’s compositional style frequently employs electronics to create immersive listening experiences, with his works being featured at events such as the 2023 Off Centre Festival and the 2019 Bloom Spring Festival. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Fergus was awarded an APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award and he also represented New Zealand at the 2024 ISCM World New Music Days in the Faroe Islands.

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Originally from Napier, Hawke’s Bay, Fergus moved to Wellington in 2017 to pursue composition and sonic arts at the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM), where he delved into disciplines such as instrumental writing, live electronics, film music, and gamelan. After completing his Bachelor of Music degree, Fergus began his career as a freelance audio engineer, showcasing his technical skill and refined ear for sound production. He then pursued a Master of Music (Research) at the University of Auckland, where his academic focus shifted towards sustainability and advocacy within the New Zealand compositional landscape. His research culminated in the creation of the PAPA model—a framework for classifying and understanding compositional practices and sustainability directives in the New Zealand context.

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Fergus’s professional practice extends beyond composition into arts administration and project management. He has collaborated with prominent organizations like APRA AMCOS and CANZ (the Composers Association of New Zealand) on various initiatives, including the 2022 and 2023 CANZ Composers Workshops and the inaugural 2024 APRA Composer Hubs. As an arts administrator and project curator, Fergus is known for his ability to facilitate large-scale collaborative projects, connecting musicians and composers with platforms to showcase their work.

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Currently, Fergus is the ensemble manager of Stroma New Music Ensemble, having previously served as an assistant to renowned composer John Psathas for two years. In both roles, he provided creative and administrative support, managed schedules, and contributed to international tour preparations. His contributions included assisting on projects such as the Beyond Words national tour with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and coordinating the Voices at the End European tour. Additionally, Fergus is developing a project management application tailored to the needs of artists and musicians, reflecting his commitment to enhancing organizational efficiency in the creative community.

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Fergus’s career is distinguished by a deep engagement with sustainability and advocacy for the arts, underpinned by his research and creative output. He remains dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries, fostering collaboration, and enriching New Zealand’s contemporary music scene.