Christchurch Folk Music Club

Elizabeth’s enthusiasm and aptitude for music led to her first music lessons when she was very little but after a few lessons her music teacher suggested she learn the alphabet first. She started learning music again a little later and continued to do so until her mid-twenties. As a teenager, she learned classical guitar, clarinet and the french horn but the piano and singing have always been her forte.

After completing her degree in music at the University of Canterbury, Elizabeth earned a post-graduate degree at Teachers’ College and taught music in a number of high schools including a HOD position at the Christchurch Rudolf Steiner School. She was also a tutor and Programme Leader at the Jazz School (Ara Institute of Canterbury). She now teaches piano, vocals, performance and music theory from her studio a few afternoons a week.

‘Liz Braggins’ has been a familiar name on the Christchurch music scene. She has a unique style developed from many years of immersion in the music industry. Her highly original versions of well-known songs are an eclectic mix of genres highlighting her background in most musical styles.

Elizabeth is also known internationally for her piano playing, singing and composition. Her self-titled album which was produced by Nigel Stone and Malcolm McNeill was a showcase of Christchurch and Wellington musicians which went on to become a finalist in the New Zealand Music Awards. Other albums include an album with Graham Wardrop, two albums with Janice Gray and one album with her vocal trio group ‘Volare’. She is currently completing a second solo album that was recorded on the Steinway piano at St Margaret’s College in the Charles Luney Auditorium.

Her recordings feature frequently on National Radio and she has appeared at many live events including the Christchurch International Jazz Festival, the Christchurch Arts Festival, the Waipara Wine and Food Celebration, the Wanganui Arts Festival and Toast Martinborough. Elizabeth has worked alongside some of New Zealand’s greatest musicians such as Nathan Haines, Caitlyn Smith, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, The Nairobi Trio, Ali Harper, The Warratahs, Beaver, Suzanne Lynch, Murray Wood, Tom Rainey, Malcolm McNeill, Stu Buchanan, Hayley Westernra, Don McGlashan, Midge Marsden and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. She is currently rehearsing a show with a new trio called “Braggins and Wardrop and Dunne”.

Joining Elizabeth again in concert will be her daughter, Olivia Wilson.  A highly qualified art historian working at the Canterbury Museum, she has also studied music and is a long standing member of the Christchurch Youth Choir. She has recorded frequently over the years and features as a backing vocalist on Elizabeth’s up-coming album.