Musicians from the Christ Church cathedrals ('of Oxford' and 'of Christchurch') have long benefited from journeying halfway around the world to expose themselves to contrasting rhythms and customs. A mutual experience is being developed between the 'college' dimension of The House and The University of Canterbury.

In 2022, Sea-am Thompson was one of two young cathedral choristers from Christchurch invited to The House, to sing with its cathedral choir.  At the time of the visit, Sea-am was just 16 but already drawing attention to his talents as an alto chorister, organist, pianist, violinist. Now aged 18, in his final year at school, Sea-am has added further distinction to that list, as a composer. 

With his Piano Trio no. 2, Sea-am has won the 2024 prize for best original composition, in NZ's prestigious national competition for teenage musicians annually presented by Chamber Music NZ.

The chairman of the judges wrote: 'Wow – what an impressive, professional composition ... your instrumental writing is phenomenal ... strong cohesiveness ... a compelling sense of journey ... a high degree of imagination and creativity.'

At The House, two years ago, besides singing in The Cathedral Choir's rigorous programme of sung services, Sea-am took organ lessons from cathedral sub-organist, Ben Sheen. Crowning his visit to The House, Sea-am was invited to play the organ prelude and postlude to the penultimate Evensong.

On returning to NZ, Sea-am wrote: 'Singing with a world class choir was so rewarding for me. It showed me the expectations and reality of English church music, its high standards and quality. I hope this exchange project will continue in both directions, making its positive contribution in both circumstances.'

In August 2024, two House undergraduates, George Blundell (2023, Modern Languages) and James Parmeter (2022, Theology and Religion), are downunder in Christchurch with a programme of Evensongs, Eucharists, recitals and masterclasses. In October, a Canterbury graduate will arrive at The House to read for a Master's Course Degree.

'Christchurch' and 'Canterbury', NZ, were founded in 1850 (and so named) by Houseman, John Robert Godley.