Music expertise noted

Horn player Ed Allen doesn't like blowing his own trumpet, but the former principal horn player in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra says being named as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit is a huge honour.

"I had absolutely had no idea it was coming. I never expected anything like this."

Mr Allen, of Martinborough, who was given the honour for services to music, was the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's principal horn player for 27 years.

Originally from the United States, Mr Allen retired from his role in the NZSO last year.

However, in the period since he has been busier than ever, performing around New Zealand, as well as in Sydney and Melbourne.

A keen cyclist, he last year completed the 1200km Paris-Brest-Paris randonneur on his bicycle. The race is held every four years, and he is already focusing on his preparation for the 2015 event.

He has frequently appeared as soloist with the NZSO, New Zealand Chamber Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Southern Sinfonia, Wellington Regional Orchestra and several other ensembles.

His chamber music performances have included a diverse selection of ensembles such as Stroma, Zephyr Woodwind Quintet, New Zealand Brass, Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble, NZSOloists, the New Zealand String Quartet as well as many other concerts and recitals with prominent musicians.

Mr Allen can be heard on hundreds of recordings, including orchestral recordings with the NZSO, the Utah Symphony, where he spent 19 years before coming to New Zealand, and New Zealand Chamber Orchestra. Other recordings include work with Little Bushman and film and television soundtracks.

Background notes released as part of the award said Mr Allen had transformed the standards of horn playing by setting a new benchmark for excellence and through his teaching of students at Victoria University's School of Music, the National Youth Orchestra and at workshops.

"His horn playing has been internationally noted for its beauty and technical assurance," the notes said. "Mr Allen has taken an active interest in the artistic planning of the NZSO and championing works by New Zealand composers."