Reviews and Endorsements

Great performers don’t just tell stories, they make us feel them

Musicians performing on a wooden stage with a banner that reads 'MirGland and the Skeleton Family.' There are several performers, including a drummer, a pianist, a saxophonist, a lead singer in leopard print pants, a guitarist, and backup singers with skeleton-printed costumes, all in a well-lit, indoor concert venue.

“Incredibly polite! A wonder to work with and the show received so many great reviews from the community with a lot of impressive comments regarding his Doctorate. The show provided an in depth insight to the mastery of music and the abilities it has to powerfully impact people in many ways. Thank you for coming!” - Putaruru

“It was a miserable cold, wet night at the quietest time of the year, so a small audience was not unexpected. Those who came loved the show.” - The Mussel Inn

As well as being a hugely engaging and accessible speaker, Dr Chapman is a pleasure to work with. He is wholly professional and guaranteed to deliver, always with a warmth, energy, generosity and positivity that makes each project a delight and is reflected in the wide support he enjoys within the community. - Nicky Page Director City of Literature

“As a highly charismatic, motivational speaker, Ian provided the perfect mix of entertainment, engagement and connection for conference participants. As the final speaker at a two day conference he established the perfect closing climate for our group, leaving people feeling highly engaged, positive and motivated. Our post conference feedback was extremely positive and participants noted that the choice of Ian as the final speaker left them feeling on a high. Multiple people noted that he was the most motivating and inspiring speaker they had ever heard and this reflects Ian’s true strength. He connects individually with the group as people respond and connect to different elements of his story.” — Suzy Keene, Senior Training Advisor at the University of Otago

"It was an extraordinary and rousing performance by the academic musicologist and Bowie aficionado, and author of the book “Experiencing David Bowie: A Listener’s Companion”, Ian Chapman. Ian was brilliantly accompanied by Liam Donnelly on piano and Pania Simmonds on acoustic and electric bass, and sounds they made together were sublime.” - Christchurch City Libraries Blog

“Ian spoke at our conference dinner for the Otago Southland Branches of the New Zealand Law Society. He delivered a wonderful blend of storytelling and music with a heartfelt and inspiring message for our guests. Ian’s work with us as a professional motivational speaker made my role as Conference Convenor a breeze!” - Lucia Vincent (Employment Lawyer)

“An excellent show which was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Well-known songs interspersed with personal stories and audience participation.  Very professional and high quality musicianship. A real pleasure to host Ian, Doug and Pania. It was a thrill for me to have my daughter and her family from Brisbane present.  Rebecca had been a student of Ian's at Otago almost 20 years ago. Also observing the reaction and participation of her five year old daughter was sheer delight.”– Hokitika

“Brilliant performance, pity it was a freezing night and only 33 people came, but that’s about 48% of the population!” - Twizel Events Theatre

“Outstanding as usual! Amazing as usual!  Lovely to have a packed theatre once again. Wonderful, quirky and enthralling show from some greatly talented people.” – Geraldine

“All very good as usual - had good communication between the artists and us directly on this occasion well ahead of time which is useful for our planning given our staff resources are very stretched. A very polished show with good performers. There were 141 attendees in the Great Hall which was a very positive result.” - Great Hall, Christchurch

“The programme was excellent. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show and meet and greet afterwards” - Te Awamutu

“Audience loved it.  Really well received on a very cold night.” Kauaeranga Hall

“Wonderful show!  Enjoyed by all who attended.  We had a great turn out, especially for a Wednesday night! The Theatre said it was the highest attendance they have had for an event like this.  We sold all tickets through Opunake - pre sales through the Theatre website and local health centre - and on the door.” - Everybodys Theatre, Opunake

A woman with shoulder-length hair speaking into a microphone indoors, wearing a striped shirt.

  • As well as being a hugely engaging and accessible speaker, Dr Chapman is a pleasure to work with. He is wholly professional and guaranteed to deliver, always with a warmth, energy, generosity and positivity that makes each project a delight and is reflected in the wide support he enjoys within the community.

    Nicky Page Director City of Literature

  • “As a highly charismatic, motivational speaker, Ian provided the perfect mix of entertainment, engagement and connection for conference participants. As the final speaker at a two day conference he established the perfect closing climate for our group, leaving people feeling highly engaged, positive and motivated. Our post conference feedback was extremely positive and participants noted that the choice of Ian as the final speaker left them feeling on a high. Multiple people noted that he was the most motivating and inspiring speaker they had ever heard and this reflects Ian’s true strength. He connects individually with the group as people respond and connect to different elements of his story.”

    — Suzy Keene, Senior Training Advisor at the University of Otago

  • It was an extraordinary and rousing performance by the academic musicologist and Bowie aficionado, and author of the book “Experiencing David Bowie: A Listener’s Companion”, Ian Chapman. Ian was brilliantly accompanied by Liam Donnelly on piano and Pania Simmonds on acoustic and electric bass, and sounds they made together were sublime.”

    Christchurch City Libraries Blog