Gemma Lee
“The only unique contribution that we will ever make in this world will be born of our creativity.”
Born in South Korea and raised in New Zealand, Gemma Lee is a collaborative pianist based in Auckland. She holds a Master of Music with First Class Honours from the University of Auckland and received numerous awards and scholarships during her tertiary studies, including the Anne Bellam Scholarship, the University of Auckland Arts & Cultural Blues Awards, and the coveted Pettman/ROSL International Chamber Music Scholarship in 2011. As a chamber musician, she has performed in venues across the United Kingdom and Europe, including at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Goldener Saal of the Vienna Musikverein.
Gemma has accompanied masterclasses and workshops led by international talents, including conductor Wyn Davies, director Sara Brodie (NZ), and oboist Gordon Hunt (UK). In 2013, she collaborated with acclaimed Scottish writer Janice Galloway for the Auckland Writer's Festival's sold-out show, Young Clara. Gemma has been involved in education projects with New Zealand's leading performing arts organisations, including the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Opera Factory, NZ Opera, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet.
Gemma was involved with the Performing Arts Department at Takapuna Grammar School for 10 years, working closely with the faculty to develop the choral programme and accompany the musical theatre class performances. Gemma taught itinerant piano at Dilworth School (Senior Campus) and at Mt Roskill Grammar School, and was the Staff Accompanist at The University of Auckland School of Music in 2014–2017. Gemma is a committee member of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competitions and the St Matthew-in-the-city Music Outreach Group.