Composer, pianist & translator

New Zealand composer Samuel Gray is a graduate of the Universities of Oslo and Vienna. His often political works draw their musical inspiration from his background as a classical and free jazz pianist, percussionist and guitarist, and from the European cultures he has immersed himself in since age 18.

Although a translator by profession and predominantly an autodidact as a composer, Samuel (Sam) has attended several master classes given by established European and US composition lecturers; to date, his works have been performed in six countries. His first orchestral commission – a symphony for youth orchestra – is to be premiered in Latvia in November 2019.  Sam also serves on the board of the Upper Austrian Composers' Association.

Though based in Austria, Samuel firmly considers New Zealand his home/ tūrangawaewae. He is of Ngati Mamoe-Ngai Tahu and Ngati Kahungunu, Scottish, German Jewish and English descent.