Michael Nicholas Williams —
musical director
Michael works predominantly in theatre as a musical director. This has led to composing scores and incidental music for musicals, pantomimes and straight dramas, vocal coaching, conducting, accompanying and arranging.
International New Zealand Artists represents Michael Nicholas Williams.
www.inza.co.nz/MNW.php
email: jamie@inza.co.nz
Michael Williams pianist and composer of extraordinary talent must surely go down in the annuls of the New Zealand music scene as one who brings to life the whole spectrum of the musical kaleidoscope with the suave expertise of a master. New Zealand National Singing School
My favourite musical is “The Secret Garden”. I was assistant musical director for the NZ tour — this involved playing keyboard 1, rehearsing the understudies and conducting 2 performances per week. I was very nervous the first time I conducted (there's no such thing as a rehearsal for an assistant) and actually snapped my baton I was clenching my fist so tight. When the show was over I turned to bow and standing behind me was my high school music teacher Geoffrey de Lautour. He was very proud.
Other highlghts include:
- Musical Director of Sweeney Todd at Downstage
- writing Lonely Heart, which was chosen for the 2005 Adam play reading season
- composing scores for 3 Roger Hall pantomimes (Cinderella, Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk) and about to write a 4th (Little Red Riding Hood
- being Musical Director and co-arranger of Gareth Farr's musicals Troy and Monarchy
- Playing ‘Keyboard 1’ in Chess in Sydney and New Zealand.
Reviews — Michael Nicholas Williams
Do I Have To Get Naked?
Without amplification and no more than an upright piano, Keller and Williams keep the show humming with their simple, apparently effortless musicality.
John Smythe, www.theatreview.org.nz
Musical Director — Michael Nicholas Williams
Musical Director of Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera Japan, 2004
Assistant Musical Director of Mamma Mia Melbourne, 2001
Assistant Musical Director of Joseph Singapore, Hong Kong and NZ, 1998
Assistant Musical Director of West Side Story Aus and NZ, 1997
Musical Director of Blood Brothers NZ and Australia, 1994
Assistant Musical Director of Evita Sydney, 1989, NZ, 2004
Michael also worked on these shows:
CDs featuring Michael Nicholas Williams's work
Random Deviations
Sue Dunlop
Musical Producer Michael Nicholas Williams has written some stunning arrangements and assembled a talented group of musicians to perform on the album Michael also appears on the album playing keyboards and piano accordion, and singing some backing vocals.
An eclectic album of Kiwi original music by Wellington musician Sue Dunlop. The album includes Celtic, jazz, comedy C&W, ballad & rock and is guaranteed to entertain, move, amuse, and rock you.
Listen and purchase from CD baby.
Bio highlights — Michael Nicholas Williams
First professional show was Tomfoolery at Circa in 1983.
Won an "Exhibition" award from Trinity College in 1979 for grade 7 piano.
