Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi

Join us in commissioning and premiering the first ever New Zealand composition for cello and marimba, Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi, by Gareth Farr. Written for Duo Col Legno with marimba virtuoso Yoshiko Tsuruta, the world premiere will take place in the Perpetual Guardian Planetarium at the Otago Museum in Dunedin in May 2019.

'Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi' is te reo Māori for the Aurora Australis, visible from our southernmost parts of New Zealand. Some iwi viewed the aurora as ancestors' campfires reflected in the sky. This story inspires the composition, emphasising universal belonging and spiritual connection. Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi builds upon previous acclaimed projects Cello for Africa and Cellists Aotearoa, dealing with belonging to a single nation to multiple belonging, and to, in this work, representing our infinite connection to the universe and being members of one human family. These projects investigate the role of music in strengthening roots, connecting to place and finding a 'sense of place'. The longer-term vision is to expand it into a large-scale work of several movements.

The performance will be combined with a visual backdrop of atmospheric lights and colourful electric dancing veils of the aurorae that will immerse audience members in a cello-marimba sound blend, ranging from ethereal to pounding and percussive and transport them to a world of light and sound.

Dr. Ian Griffin, astronomer and Director of the Otago Museum, will provide enlightenment on the scientific aspects. A social get-together with a cash bar will precede this multi-sensory experience that draws together music, philosophy, culture, art and science.

Supported by a Creative New Zealand grant, the funds raised are for the remaining costs of the composition, the visual design and artists' fees.

Thank you for helping us reach the target of $4,500 by investing in music innovation and enabling the premiere performance of Tahu-nui-ā-Rangi.