Auckland audiences will have a rare opportunity to join master musicians Dr Richard Nunns and James Webster at a two-day Workshop scheduled to be held at Unitec’s Te Noho Kotahitanga Marae on November 4 and 5, 2013.
The workshops, the first of their kind to be conducted by Dr Nunns in Auckland, will explore Taonga Puoro traditional Māori instruments.
Fellow musical collaborator James Webster, who has an extensive knowledge of Taonga Puoro and the traditional Māori arts, including Whakairo Rākau (carving) and Tā Moko (tattooing) will be present at the workshops.
Dr Nunns is regarded as the world’s foremost authority on Taonga Puoro.
He recently performed at Ted X Auckland.
Inspiring artiste
Faculty of Creative Industries & Business Deputy Executive Dean Athina Tsoulis said that Dr Nunns has inspired many in the instruments and music of Maori tradition.
“Unbelievably, he has never held an interactive workshop of this type before in Auckland. It is therefore a unique opportunity for the local community and Māori music enthusiasts to be enriched by the wisdom, expertise and hands-on guidance shared by these two remarkable masters of Taonga Puoro,” she said.
Workshop participants will make and play a range of Māori instruments used to mimic bird cry and the sounds of natural environment.
Described as one of the most remarkable musicians of the country, Dr Nunns is respected as the ‘living authority’ on Maori traditional instruments (Taonga Puoro).
His growing reputation for diversity and experience includes a wide repertoire of performances across an extensive musical genre.
Among the titles and honours that he has earned over the years include a Citation for Services to New Zealand Music by the Composers Association of New Zealand (2001); Citation by the Lilburn Trust for outstanding services to music (2007); Best Maori Album Remixed Te Whaiao Te Kū Te Whē (2008); Honorary Doctorate of Music from Victoria University (2008), Queen’s Service Medal for services to Taonga Puoro (2009), Arts Laureate (2009) and New Zealand Music Hall of Fame with Hirini Melbourne (2009).
Dr Nunns and the late Dr Hirini Melbourne: were awarded the Lifetime Contribution to Māori Music Award from the National Waiata Māori Music Awards in September 2012.
Bookings are essential as seats are limited.
Further details can be obtained from Vivienne Merito on 021-846289 or Peter Rees on (09) 8154321 (Extension 7284). Email: vmerito@unitec.ac.nz; prees@unitec.ac.nz
Website: www.unitec.ac.nz/richardnunns
From a report by Vivienne Merito, Marketing and Communications Manager (Priority Groups), Unitec, Sponsor of the Business Excellence in Innovation Category of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2013. The Awards Night Presentation Ceremony will be held on Monday, November 18, 2013 from 5 pm at Sky City Convention Centre. Auckland. For further details and tickets priced at $150 plus GST per person (table seating ten persons at $1500 plus GST per table), please contact (09) 5336377 or 021-836528. Email: editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
