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Gretchen has recently returned to the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra after being away for three years during which time she managed the national music portfolio for Creative New Zealand, the Arts Council of New Zealand in her role as Senior Programme Advisor.

Gretchen studied clarinet with Peter Scholes at the University of Auckland before undertaking postgraduate studies at The Royal Academy of Music (London) after being awarded an ABRSM scholarship.

Upon returning to New Zealand Gretchen accepted the position of Principal Clarinet with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for ten years. In 2001 she was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

In 2009 Gretchen appeared as a soloist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and St. Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra. She has previously toured as an Associate Artist for Chamber Music New Zealand and adjudicated for the New Zealand Community Trust Chamber Music Contest, the New Zealand Woodwind Competition and the National Concert Band Contest. In recent years she has presented recitals throughout New Zealand, Australia, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Gretchen is the Manager of the Gisborne International Music Competition and is a Trustee on the Board of Chamber Music New Zealand and the Southern Strings Charitable Trust.

Gretchen is currently tutor in clarinet performance at the University of Canterbury.