A Violinist’s Tale Capturing Anna van der Zee’s Musical Journey
t’s not every day you get to photograph someone whose life beats in time with classical music. When we met New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) violinist Anna van der Zee, we knew her story would be as compelling as her performances. From a musical upbringing in Paeroa to stages and studios across Europe and back home in New Zealand, Anna embodies the best of both worlds: an artist grounded in heritage yet open to the excitement of global opportunity. In our recent shoot, we aimed to capture her spirit—a warmth and humor that also resonates powerfully through her violin.
Growing Up in a Musical Home
Raised in a family of nine children, Anna learned early on that music and daily life go hand-in-hand. “My dad played piano,” she shared, “and my siblings and I all learned from Mrs. Collier, our local chain-smoking piano teacher.” Despite the comedic twist in that memory, music was treated with deep respect in her household—a reverence Anna still carries today.
Her carefree childhood allowed her creativity to flourish on its own terms. She explains, “I was never pushed; my music always belonged to me.” This spirit of ownership paved the way for formal studies in Wellington and eventually Detmold, Germany, cultivating a blend of Kiwi roots and European refinement in her playing style.
Embracing Character in Performance
Throughout her travels—whether studying in Detmold, performing in Hamburg and Århus, or immersing herself in Boulder—Anna discovered that it’s not about pinpointing a single defining style. Instead, she sees her approach as a tapestry of “warmth, humour, and poetry.”
In our photoshoot, we wanted to spotlight that same sense of discovery. Anna points out that many of her “magical moments” happen during the rehearsal process, when technique meets emotion. These quiet breakthroughs, invisible to the public, bring depth to the music she eventually performs on grand stages.
The Tasman String Quartet & Lessons from Great Mentors
Co-founding the Tasman String Quartet gave Anna the creative outlet she craved: “We were just a group of struggling artists who needed an outlet,” she recalls. Her time in Boulder under the Takács Quartet left a lasting impression—especially the importance of “character and meaning.”
She’s also worked with musical luminaries like Eberhard Feltz and Sylvia Rosenberg, each reinforcing the idea that it’s okay—even essential—for artists to develop their own unique voice. As Anna puts it, “It would be a mistake to try to compromise between wildly different perspectives. They all have something valuable to offer.”
This openness to contrast is precisely what makes her playing so compelling. The photos from our shoot attempt to reflect this dynamic: a confident musician who balances tradition with her own evolving interpretation.
A Photoshoot That Reflects True Character
When asked about the crossover between music and photography, Anna highlights the importance of understanding the artist’s personality first. “How do they see themselves, and how do they want that to be portrayed?” she muses. In our session, we aimed to draw out her genuine warmth—capturing both her playful side and the poised professional she is on stage.
This blend of authenticity and artistry is evident in her posture, facial expressions, and the easy laughter that marked many shots. It’s a glimpse into how Anna navigates her world: with sincerity and a willingness to let her real self shine through.
Sewing, Knitting, and the Need for Tangible Creativity
Beyond the orchestra, Anna reveals a passion for creating physical objects: “I’m really into sewing and knitting,” she laughs, describing her desire to produce lasting, tangible results—a nice contrast to the ephemeral act of performing live music. While music provides emotional fulfillment, these hobbies offer a different, hands-on satisfaction.
It’s a fun reminder that behind every classical musician is an individual with varied interests—someone who finds joy not just in rehearsing symphonies, but also in stitching, purling, and occasionally saying, “Don’t ask me to hem your trousers!”
Conclusion
From the laid-back rhythms of her Paeroa upbringing to the high-caliber stages of Europe and New Zealand, Anna van der Zee personifies artistry informed by life experience. Our recent photoshoot captured moments of joy, reflection, and an undeniable sense of character that resonates whether she’s on stage with the NZSO or enjoying her creative pursuits at home.
Her journey reminds us that music, like any art form, flourishes where authenticity meets dedication. We hope our images and her story convey that balance—a testament to the idea that truly memorable performances stem from being unafraid to share who you are, both in sound and in spirit.
Interested in your own musical portrait session?
Reach out to learn how we can collaborate to capture your unique artistry in a personal, expressive way—just like we did for Anna.