New Zealand Duo Thrives in New York’s Creative Scene

Ihlara McIndoe and Nathaniel Otley are making waves in New York’s vibrant arts scene, blending their backgrounds in law and music to explore new creative frontiers. The couple, both recipients of the prestigious ODT Class Act awards ten years ago, often reflect on their unique journey while taking walks in Central Park. “It’s weird that we live here, right?” McIndoe remarks, highlighting their surreal experience as they navigate life in the city.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, McIndoe has forged a diverse path. She is pursuing a doctorate in composition, building on her impressive background that includes serving as head girl at St Hilda’s Collegiate, participating in New Zealand’s Model United Nations, and excelling as a competitive debater. Her academic journey has been defined by a dual focus on law and music, leading her to work in the public law team at Russell McVeagh and later pursue a master’s degree.

In her master’s research, McIndoe identified how the rise of neoliberalism in the 1980s has negatively impacted the arts. She argues that this shift has changed the perception of the arts from a public service to a commercial entity, leading to detrimental effects on creativity and arts infrastructure. “It’s about a need for more government funds allocated to arts and culture,” she states, emphasizing that this issue extends to various social services and community initiatives.

McIndoe’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her artistic identity. Moving to Dunedin at the age of three, she was inspired by her family’s musical background, often attending her father’s brass band concerts. As the first in her family to attend university, she thrived at the University of Otago, where she took risks and created unique works despite the smaller classical music scene.

Her partnership with Otley began in high school at a science camp, where their shared passion for chamber music blossomed into a deeper collaboration. Otley, who is now studying at City University of New York, has developed a reputation as a composer and conductor. Meanwhile, McIndoe’s academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in gender studies and a bachelor of music in composition and piano performance from the University of Otago, along with a master of arts in musicology from McGill University in Montreal.

Currently enrolled at Columbia University, McIndoe serves as a teaching assistant while engaging in a range of creative projects. Her work spans various settings, from solo performances to orchestral scores, and includes interdisciplinary collaborations that incorporate movement, poetry, and storytelling. Although her performance schedule has slowed, she maintains her passion for music by participating in early music ensembles and plans to revive her piano playing with a project involving electronics this year.

In recent months, McIndoe has collaborated with artists from diverse backgrounds, including a French choral group and musicians from Japan and Iran. “I love that I get to use sound and creativity as a training ground for possibility,” she expresses, underlining her belief in the power of music to foster empathy and understanding. She acknowledges that while music may not be a universal language, it opens doors to exploring beauty and complexity in human experiences.

Reflecting on her initial struggles to choose between law and music, McIndoe now sees these paths as intertwined. “A lot of my creative projects explore themes relating to the environment, gender, and power control,” she explains. This intersection of interests allows her to conduct extensive research into law, policy, and history, integrating these elements into her musical compositions.

As McIndoe and Otley continue to navigate their artistic journeys in New York, they inspire each other to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. Their story illustrates the rich tapestry of creative potential that emerges when diverse disciplines come together, transforming challenges into opportunities for exploration and growth.