Charles & Jesse Begg
Charles and Jessie Begg were the co-founders of Begg’s, a music retailing business. Established in 1861, the business expanded from its Dunedin base until its branches covered the country, providing New Zealanders with instruments, accessories and publishing New Zealand compositions, including the national anthem, God defend New Zealand. Begg’s served as a music advocate for over 100 years, bringing overseas artists to New Zealand and supporting every area of musical activity. As one commentator observed in 1943 “the story of music in New Zealand is the history of Begg’s”.