For an event that takes almost half a year to organise, a pandemic and multiple snap lockdowns can be problematic to say the least.
But Chamber Music New Zealand's outreach coordinator Beckie Lockhart takes it all in her stride.
Beckie is responsible for all the behind-the-scenes machinations that bring together the 'most magical moment in the chamber music calendar' - the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest.
Last year's Covid-19 restrictions meant almost the entire contest moved online.
Photo: Supplied
"There was a huge amount of scrambling, planning and re-planning as we found out more information," Beckie tells Upbeat host David Morriss.
However, being forced to pivot has had surprising benefits. Many chamber music coaches have remained tutoring online, which has meant greater accessibility for students around the country.
It was a steep but good learning curve.
Still, fingers remain crossed that this year's national secondary school finals go ahead as planned. Until then Beckie will be on high alert.
"I'm not a musician, I'm just a little part of the puzzle so that these kids can get up on stage and do what they love."
The national semi-finals and finals for secondary school students will be held in Christchurch on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th of August. They'll be livestreamed on rnz.co.nz and also broadcast on Friday 13th August in Music Alive.
Music details:
RAVEL: String Quartet in F, 1st & 4th movements, played by winners of the 2020 NZCT contest, Ravelation.
