Dancing in your head: episode 31 - Penny Axtens

In this episode Dan is joined by the 2025 NZ School of Music Composer in Residence, Penny Axtens. They discuss her many years in Berlin working in the classical music industry, neo-classical inspirations, the way covid changed things, and several of her compositions.

Penny Axtens is a composer of work for large forces and chamber ensembles. A graduate of Auckland University and gained her Masters at Victoria University. After graduating Penny went on to write pieces that achieved local acclaim, before she moved to Europe. In Europe she paused her public output and focused on a career in the industry working as a marketing and promotions manager at Sony Classical in Berlin. After the covid lock-downs Penny found a rekindled curiosity in composing, and the importance of playing the keyboard. She has returned to Aotearoa and is finishing of her year of living in the Lilburn residence, where she wrote pieces for local ensembles.

NB dates are mentioned for an event that has already taken place

(this episode was first broadcast in October 2025)

Tracklist:

Part the Second  - for orchestra - played by NZSO conducted by James Judd
Anxiety (a movement from Emic) - for piano - composed for and played by Henry Wong Doe, with funding from CreativeNZ
Rhodes - for Fender Rhodes - played by Penny Axtens (unreleased)
Sunweft - for piano trio - played by the Ghost Trio (unreleased)
As I was - for piano - Composed by Olivia Belli