Winter Sessions 1: Alistair Fraser and Ariana Tikao

The Winter Sessions is a series of three unique music events held within the spaces of City Gallery Wellington and guest curated by Graham Frost.

Be prepared to be transported to another realm, like being bundled up in a feather cloak of sound. Wellington-based Ariana and Alistair incorporate taonga puoro with Māori waiata and karakia to create a southern-Māori influenced musical experience. "The duo's wide variety of nature-oriented taonga puoro sounds, whether skilfully blown or percussive, provide evocative context and organic perspective" (Songlines, UK)

Alistair Fraser is a widely respected player, composer, and researcher of ngā taonga puoro with a performance background that enables him to provide a sensitivity that suits the intimate nature of these remarkable instruments.

Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu) is a musician and writer and was awarded as an Arts Foundation Laureate in 2020. She is a leading player in the taonga pūoro revival, often drawing upon historical kōrero from her ancestors.