The Ruth and Oswald L Kraus Innovator-in-Residence scholarship, held by Cadence, was established through a generous bequest left by Ruth and Oswald Kraus, founders of Brick Row Publishing Company. They were particularly interested in fostering young writers and artists; this scholarship continues that legacy, offering a one-trimester residency at Wai-te-ata Press. The residency provides students with an opportunity to explore the interface between writing and publishing.
Chris Kraus, Ruth and Oswald’s daughter, says she was delighted to select Cadence as the inaugural recipient, because her interests and strengths align with the Kraus family’s.
"Cadence’s interest in poetry publications reminds me of my parents’ journal Poetry New Zealand, and my sister Carol trained as a classical musician, as Cadence is doing.
“She seems to be pursuing these vocations with intelligence, enjoyment, skill, and enthusiasm.”
During the residency, Cadence learnt the publishing process, commissioned and edited artworks, wrote poetry, composed music, collaborated on book design, and recorded poets and musicians at places like Lilburn Studios and St Peter’s Church.
“This was such a special opportunity and I’m truly so thankful to the University, to the donors who made this residency possible, and to Wai-te-ata Press, for their support of young artists. It can be difficult to find the time and resources to make any art at all, so being able to spend a whole summer on a project is truly a dream come true.”
Already a seasoned composer, classical mezzo-soprano, and published poet, she has also received the Margaret Kate Parker Scholarship, the 2023 FAME Emerging Practitioner Award, and the 2023 Kāpiti Chorale Award. Her successes reflect a persistent passion for words and music.
Cadence says she properly discovered poetry in her junior years of high school and began to be published from year 10 onwards, with work appearing in literary magazines such as Landfall, Starling, Turbine, MiNDFOOD, and The Spinoff.
Alongside her literary pursuits, Cadence has thrived in the musical domain as she pursues a Bachelor of Music at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. Majoring in Classical Voice and minoring in English Literature, her interest in the convergence of these two disciplines has been a guiding force in her creative exploration.
“I’ve loved singing ever since I won my school talent show in primary school, but I only truly experienced the depth of the classical world when I began my university studies. Since then, I’ve performed across Wellington as well as in national competitions, even having the opportunity to work with my classmates on the biennial Te Kōkī—New Zealand School of Music opera.
“Being a keen lover of interdisciplinary ventures, I’ve found ways to combine music and poetry. I find that art forms are often put in neat boxes, without much interaction between different genres. As someone who works in several fields of art, it feels natural to put them together, to have poetry and music respond and intertwine.”
During her residency, Cadence had the opportunity to explore her interest in the relationship between music and literature, resulting in the creation of her book Mythos, which showcases the work of young artists. An anthology of poetry, writing, musical scores, and visual art, complemented by recordings to enrich the readers experience, Cadence also contributed her own poetry and musical scores.
“It’s been special to work with these young artists. The literary community in New Zealand, especially in Wellington, is absolutely thriving, and it was such a wonderful environment for me as a young writer to surround myself with art. I’ve learned so much as a poet, musician, and editor.”
Mythos was celebrated at a well attended book launch in March 2024.