Service in memory of chairman

Wanganui Collegiate chapel was packed yesterday for a service titled In Praise of Music from the students and tutors of the New Zealand Opera School.

Around 430 people were at the service where all the music was dedicated to the memory of former opera school chairman of the Trust Bryan Wyness, formerly chief pilot for Air New Zealand.

For 18 years until his tragic death in a motorcycle accident last year, Mr Wyness was described in the programme as a loyal and passionate supporter of the school.

And Wanganui's classical music lovers were there to hear the latest group of glorious young New Zealand opera voices, and to remember Mr Wyness.

As well as popular hymns including Immortal Invisible God only Wise and Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, there were classical solos.

Et Exsultavit by Bach was sung by Bianca Andrew with Handel's The Trumpet Shall Sound sung by Ian Campbell.

In his eulogy, Air New Zealand chief pilot Captain David Morgan said Bryan Wyness was a remarkable man.

"He was a fine man who has left a fine legacy to aviation in New Zealand and the world."

Mr Wyness had led Air New Zealand through many operational changes especially in the field of safety, he said.

"His operational structure and rules have been adopted as gold standards especially his study about the fatigue system, throughout the world."

He was an avid follower of Richards Wagner's The Ring Cycle and his favourite piece Entry of The Gods into Valhalla was played in Bryan Wyness's honour by organist Nicholas Grigsby at the close of the service.