De Pledge, Stephen

Pianist Stephen De Pledge studied at the University of Auckland and graduated with the Cooper scholarship, awarded annually to the top student.  He went on to win the New Zealand National Piano Competition and was awarded the NZTV Young Achievers Award.  In 1993 he left New Zealand to continue his studies with Joan Havill at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and in 1996 his career was launched when he won both the National Federation of Music Societies' Young Concert Artists Award and the Guildhall's Gold Medal.  Stephen has become known for his interest in the performance of contemporary music.

• Stephen De Pledge