Bruce Baguley

Bruce Baguley – esteemed cellist, former PSO chairman and one of its most stalwart supporters over the years – has been awarded a Life Membership by the orchestra. The honour was conferred at its May 2024 AGM.

Bruce joined the PSO in 1980, soon after returning to New Zealand from postgraduate study in Switzerland. It was there – among the snowy peaks, clocks and chocolate – that he first picked a cello and enrolled in a few lessons.

Back home he met (by chance) PSO member Audrey Maddox at a Hamilton Music school. She suggested he join the orchestra.

"My first experience as an orchestral novice came from the warmth and friendliness of the people around me,” says Bruce. "Joe Isbister was the conductor and Musical Director. His wife Eleanor was the percussionist, piano player and associate conductor.

"The Isbister family provided a wonderful feeling of support and togetherness that shaped the character of the orchestra, and this continues today.”

He confesses he was (initially) a very nervous player. "At my first orchestral performance, feeling very self-conscious, I hid behind a large vase of flowers. But I soon realised that I really enjoyed being part of the orchestra.”

Joanne (the Isbisters’ daughter and now the PSO’s Music Director) was also a cellist and sat next to Bruce. "She acted as my musical mentor and shared the quirks of orchestral culture and how to play confidently in an orchestra.”

With time Bruce's playing grew more confident and he eventually graduated to leading the cello section – always offering a quiet word of advice and encouragement to newcomers.

His role also morphed into the orchestra’s MC – a duty he performed with an air of refinement and gravitas. When he spoke, people listened. He served as a committee member – it culminated in him being appointed Chairman.

While Bruce rarely spoke about his work as an internationally-renowned scientist and cancer researcher, he was awarded the NZ Order of Merit for services to cancer research in 2002. He is now an Emeritus Distinguished Professor at the University of Auckland.

For health reasons (coupled with the Covid disruption) Bruce found it harder to continue playing in the orchestra, but he remains connected to it and he attend concerts when possible.

Thank you Bruce. We salute you!