Photo: Supplied
There are moments in history that, for good or bad, have a profound impact on us and change who we are as New Zealanders. In each episode of this four-part series, an Aotearoa composer discusses a particular piece of music they've been compelled to create in reaction to a monumental event or events.
Episodes are broadcast each week on Sound Lounge, 9.30pm Saturdays, beginning on 25 September 2021.
Or listen online here.
Episode 1 - Sound of the Dawn Raids "In Tension": Anonymouz
Anonymouz Photo: http://www.anonymouz.co.nz
In 2021, an audience of around two thousand gathered at the Auckland Town Hall to witness a historic apology from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, on behalf of the New Zealand government, for the inhumane and discriminatory implementation of immigration laws in the 1970s that led to the events infamously known as the Dawn Raids.
In this episode, Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava talks to soundscape artist Anonymouz (aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu), who was commissioned by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples to recreate, through sound, the Ifoga (forgiveness) process that was used as the framework for the Dawn Raids Apology event.
Alpha also speaks with researcher and fangufangu (Tongan nose flute) performer Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Dr. ‘Okusitino Mahina about the effect the Dawn Raids had on the Pasifika community.
Hosted by Tau’ili’ili Alpha Maiava with guests Anonymouz (aka Faiumu Matthew Salapu) and Hūfanga-He-Ako-Moe-Lotu Dr ‘Okusitino Mahina.
Episode 2 - Chemin des Dames: Gareth Farr
Gareth Farr Photo: supplied
In 1917, three New Zealand brothers left for the western front to fight in World War I. They never came home. They died in northern France in the Chemin des Dames, now remembered as a place of unimaginable horror where infantry from both sides sheltered in caves. The brothers - Charles, Vince and Frank - were the great-great-uncles of composer Gareth Farr.
In this episode, Gareth discusses his Cello Concerto ‘Chemin des Dames’, a work as much about the men who died fighting in WWI as it is about the women who suffered while looking after the home front.
Hosted by Charlotte Wilson with guest Gareth Farr.
Episode 3 - Cries of Auckland: Eve de Castro-Robinson
Composer Eve de Castro-Robinson Photo: Supplied
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland has seen its fair share of protests.
Composer Eve de Castro-Robinson has taken part in many of them herself and has never shied away from mixing politics and music.
Eve's ‘Cries of Auckland’,for vocal sextet and string quartet is based on calls and chants heard in Queen Street over the years.
About this piece she says, "I traverse several decades of protest marches in which I have taken part, including anti-Springbok Tour, the Occupy Movement and recent anti-Asset Sales and anti-TPPA rallies."
In this episode, Eve talks about her relationship with Auckland, protests, her composing philosophy and her development of a creative voice that is always rooted in the real world.
Hosted by Charlotte Wilson with guest Eve de Castro-Robinson.
Episode 4 - Bitter Cold Night: Gao Ping
Composer Gao Ping. Photo: Fang Xiang
It’s February 2020, the beginning of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. China has been in lockdown since January. The doctor who blew the whistle on the pandemic, Dr Li Wenliang, has been denounced by authorities and is forced to sign a retraction.
Rumours swirl about what this virus actually is. And people are glued to the doctor’s blog which bravely chronicles his descent into illness.
On 6 February 2020, Dr Li Wenliang dies.
That same day, Chinese-New Zealand composer Gao Ping receives a message from a friend: “Well, as a composer, as a musician, don’t you have anything to say about our current time?”
Gao Ping was inspired to write 'Bitter Cold Night' for violin and piano. He finished the piece incredibly quickly, an experience he says was unlike any in his life before.
In this episode he speaks about what lockdown was like in China close to the epicentre, the tragedy of Dr Li Wenliang, and about what it's like to be a musician working in Communist China.
Hosted by Charlotte Wilson with guest Gao Ping.
The Moments in Time series was created for SOUNZ: Centre for New Zealand Music.
For more information and extra content, visit SOUNZ Moments in Time.
Executive Producer: Diana Marsh
Producers: Roger Smith and Charlotte Wilson
Sound Engineer: Phil Brownlee
Production Assistant: Nina Lesperance
