Alex Morton
Alex grew up in Christchurch as an incredibly nerdy musical kid, taking part in every performance opportunity he could gets his hands on. While he originally set his sights on learning the trombone, his short eight-year-old arms meant that a french horn was placed in them instead, which thankfully turned out to be a rather fortuitous replacement.
In 2009, Alex moved to Wellington to complete his Bachelor of Music before continuing his studies at the Australian National Academy of Music. It was during his four years at ANAM where he really began to cut his teeth professionally in the wonderfully vibrant music scene that Melbourne – and Australia generally – had to offer, most notably holding contracts with both the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and West Australian Symphony Orchestra, and appearing as Guest Principal Horn with Orchestra Victoria.
“The thing I love most about my industry is the huge variety of experiences it gifts to you. I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world with my music, from London to Tokyo, performing with orchestras, in and for ballets and operas, with chamber groups, as a soloist, and even in music festivals for crowds of 25,000 people!”
As a chamber musician, Alex pursues his love of the medium as a member of the internationally-acclaimed ensemble, The Morton Trio, with his wife & violinist, Arna Morton, and pianist, Liam Wooding, most notably performing the world premiere of an arrangement of Brahms’ B Major Piano Trio arr. for horn trio by Arna.
In 2020, Alex & Arna moved back to Christchurch where Alex’s career has evolved into a richly fulfilling one. Whilst still performing regularly as one of New Zealand’s most desirable freelance musicians, Alex has also delved headfirst into the fulfilling world of music and performance education. After 10-years of tertiary-level study with world leading performers and pedagogues, Alex is extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring his experience, insights, observations and reflections back to share with his students in New Zealand and internationally, online.
“I firmly believe that for the long term sustainability of anything you are strongly passionate about, it is vitally important to keep some measure of distance from it; therefore, outside of my music, I thoroughly enjoy spending my time bouldering, tramping (hiking), rafting, cycling, eating fine food, and spending quality time with my wife and my dog.”