David originally hoped that his legacy might support one piano student. He would be delighted to know that his bequest now funds three generous scholarships every year for talented classical piano scholars like Ethan Rawhiti Hotter (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Shan Yi Zhou.
Ethan began learning piano at the age of seven. His interest in classical music grew when his Koro (grandfather) began taking him to New Zealand Opera and Orchestra Wellington performances from around the age of ten.
Ethan vividly remembers his first opera experience.
“He took me to see the dress rehearsal for the Mozart opera Don Giovanni. It was a modern production set in a nightclub, and at the end when Don Giovanni got sucked into hell, they actually set the guy on fire, it was really cool.”
Ethan has recently extended his comfort zone by acting as a répétiteur for Wellington Opera’s reo rua (bilingual) opera Mate Ururoa. Composed by Dame Gillian Whitehead, the opera follows Roger Dansey, a Māori soldier in World War I.
The répétiteur plays the piano during rehearsal so the singers can learn their parts. Ethan found this role challenging, as it involves some vocal coaching, but so rewarding that he now sees it as a future career possibility.
“It takes up all your mental capacity, you even start dreaming about it—it took me a while to recover afterwards.”
Ethan loved working on a professional production with Māori musicians as the opera included taonga pūoro performances by acclaimed practitioner and mezzo soprano Ariana Tikao.
“We had a workshop recently where two taonga pūoro artists came in and they talked about the spiritual significance of these instruments for them.
“My piano teacher, Associate Professor Jian Liu, often reminds us that it is through the communication of music to an audience that the core of one's being, or wairua, is truly in its most open and most honest state, beyond language or concrete meaning.”
Ethan was inspired to study music seriously by the Young Musicians Programme at Victoria University in 2019 and 2020. He had lessons with Associate Professor Liu, a celebrated concert pianist, chamber musician, and teacher, and enjoyed other masterclasses at the University.
“I think the reason that I studied here in the first place was to work with Jian.”
Last year, thanks to the sponsorship of educator and philanthropist Professor Jack C. Richards, Ethan had the incredible opportunity to attend the Semaine Internationale de Piano festival in Switzerland. He performed in and attended masterclasses with world-class teachers and met musicians from around the globe. It was an intense experience.
“We were sleeping upstairs in the attic and it was 30 degrees. Student masterclasses ran from nine till five, we were allotted two hours a day to practice, then the teachers performed in concerts every evening.”
He was impressed by a masterclass with 90-year-old Chilean pianist Edith Fischer.
“Beethoven wrote 32 piano sonatas, and she's played all of them live twelve times. She is really amazing and probably the best I've ever heard in person.”
Ethan has decided to stay in New Zealand after he graduates to explore teaching and other job opportunities, as well as attending some overseas festivals. He hopes to build a career that includes teaching, accompanying, ensemble work, and solo performance.
“Given that musicians and artistic careers seem to be facing a challenging future, I am deeply grateful and privileged to have received the David Eade Postgraduate Piano Scholarship. I also appreciate the continued support of my family, fellow musicians, and teachers.”
Shan Yi Zhou, who received the David Eade Undergraduate Piano Scholarship, grew up in China and then spent five years in Auckland. She is enjoying the Wellington vibe.
“Wellington is a city that embraces people for who they are. It’s a place where all kinds of thoughts, passions, and creativity are welcomed. That openness is one of the reasons I’ve grown to truly love living here.”
For Shan Yi, the scholarship has allowed her to fully focus on her studies without the constant worry of balancing other commitments. She also found the award a huge confidence boost, knowing that others believe in her potential.
“Since arriving, I’ve really enjoyed working alongside peers who are passionate about music. We’re encouraged to bring our own perspectives, share ideas, and truly experiment with our thoughts—we inspire and challenge each other to grow.”
As part of Wills Month, we are highlighting the transformational impact bequests have on our students and researchers for generations to come. Find out more about legacy giving on our website.