27 Jul 2013

The Aotearoa National Maori Choir: getting the band back together

From Access All Areas, 4:00 pm on 27 July 2013

We trace the journey of artistic director, composer and choir leader Rim D Paul and friends as they re-form the Aotearoa National Maori Choir (Te Roopu Waiata Maori o Aotearoa) after a ten year hiatus.

After a ten-year break, the choir draws together around 80 singers from across the whenua to collaborate with instrumental band The Yoots on a special commission – to perform on the main stage at WOMAD Taranaki 2013.

Presenter Trevor Reekie pulls together interviews and recordings by Will Ricketts, Maori TV, Justine Murray, Eva Radich, Emma Smith and himself to weave together the story of the Choir re-forming, and the musical collaboration with The Yoots. Interspersed with live music recorded by Radio New Zealand at WOMAD 2013.

Related stories:

  • Rim D. Paul on Musical Chairs
  • Rim D Paul

    Aotearoa National Maori Choir leader Rim D. Paul. Photo by Andy Belcher.