Gabrielle Peake is a New Zealand-based pianist and composer. Under the artist name Peake, she creates new music that falls under the neo-classical/compositional ambient umbrella. Since completing a Master’s Degree in Piano Performance (1st Class Hons) from the University of Auckland, Peake’s interest in newer genres and approaches to music have led to a growing curiosity to create music that moves, inspires, explores, searches and captivates those who listen.
2019 saw Peake release two debut EP’s: London Tree and Fearne. The EP Arrow followed in 2020. She has released a further three singles in 2021-22; her fourth EP is due to be released at the end of 2023. Notable commissions have seen Peake compose for Les Mills International and New Zealand Fashion Week, creating an original soundtrack for Juliette Hogan’s AW2020 collection.
She resides in Auckland, New Zealand.
Music, as with art generally, gives form to feeling. “Winters that Melt” is a piece that in some ways is informed by the feeling of loss, but it is also intimate and hopeful: it conveys a trust in the truth, goodness and beauty conveyed by the changing seasons.
In this interview with Jannah, pianist, composer, and teacher Gabrielle Peake reflects on her growth, and on how patience has shaped her life and work as a musician.