Warwick Blair’s Protest

In a dynamic collaboration, locally based and internationally renowned composer Warwick Blair has developed a new work specifically for taonga pūoro that will be performed by Al Fraser, widely respected for his skill with these traditional Māori musical instruments.

The pair will perform ‘Protest’, with Blair providing an electronic backing, in Norman King Square directly outside Northart gallery in Northcote on Saturday 27 July from 1pm.

The free public programme, supported by Creative Communities Auckland, will also include a talk by Al Fraser and display of his taonga pūoro, such as pūrerehua (a blade-like instrument made of bone, wood or stone that swings on a long cord producing a loud, deep whirling that can be heard from a distance) and porotiti (a disc with two holes through which a string is threaded, making the disc spin and producing a humming sound). The instruments were traditionally variously used for luring lizards, summoning rain, communicating and attracting a soul mate.

Programme details as follows:
1pm to 1.30pm: Performance
1.30pm to 2.30pm: Talk and display
2.30pm to 3pm: Performance

The event will move indoors to Northart’s gallery spaces in bad weather.