Carl Ferdinand Bunz

Obituary
Mr. C. F. Bunz

The death occurred at Christchurch on Sunday of Mr. C. F. Bunz, one of the strongest links with the early history of music in that city.

The late Mr. Bunz was a native of Denmark, and was born at Hohenfelde (Highland), Holstein, on 23rd October, 1844. He received his musical education in Eitien, under Langenbuch, whose school was supported by the Grand Duke of Oldenburg. In 1864 Mr. Bunz passed his examination, but remained at the school as an assistant teacher till 1866. Two years later he left his native country for London, with the intention of going to America. In London he was induced by a friend to change his destination for New Zealand, and on reaching Christchurch, he was so impressed with the place and its possibilities that he decided to settle there.

He was for some time bandmaster of the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry Band, and later was leader of the Musical, Philharmonic, and Mendelssohn Societies. He could play any instrument in an orchestra, but his principal instruments were the clarinet, violin, and double base. For over forty years Mr. Bunz was leader of the theatre orchestra—first in the old Gaiety Theatre, then in the old Theatre Royal, and lastly in the new Theatre Royal.

In the fifty-five years of his residence in Christchurch he probably influenced more young musicians for good, both in respect of music and of personal conduct, than any other teacher in the Dominion.

In 1874 Mr. Bunz married Miss Merton, daughter of the late Charles Morton, of Rangiora. He leaves five sons and two daughters.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 80, 4 April 1923, Page 6