Te More

Te More is a unique performance collaboration between two distinguished performers; Whirimako Black and Richard Nunns.

Te More is the  poetic term for the tap root. It appears in the creation chant signifying the arrival of nourishment, and the means by which physical, spiritual  and  intellectual sustenance came into being.

This performance features ancient moteatea^† and recent compositions in moteatea style — at once respectful, spare and dynamic. Whirimako's exemplary interpretations — lodged in a bed of traditional instrumental voices — offers an intimate and beguiling experience.

^† moteatea : ancient Mäori song forms

Photographer Kathrin Simon

Whirimako Black MNZM

Of Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Te Whakatohea, and Te Whanau-a-Apanui, descent.

Whirimako's distinctive expressive sound coupled with her use of traditional Mäori musical forms and te reo Mäori (Mäori language) will connect you spiritually to the heartland of this country.

She is noted for creating a soulful and intimate presence in her performances with her sublime and exceptionally expressive voice.

Equally comfortable performing in jazz, blues and Mäori medium, Whirimako has 6 solo albums to her credit. Over the past decade Whirimako has performed extensively throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Whirimako was awarded the NZ Order of Merit (2006) for services to Mäori music; NZ Music Award (2001) — Best Mäori Album; APRA Maioha Award (2004) for her songwriting in te reo Māori; Te Waka Toi Award (2004) for her contributions to contemporary Mäori music and a NZ Music Tui (2008) for Best Jazz Album.

whirimako.org

Dr Richard Nunns QSM

Richard Nunns has been described as one of New Zealand's most remarkable musicians. A Pakeha (European New Zealander), he has become the living authority on Taonga Puoro — Mäori traditional instruments.

Richard has developed an amazing international profile, both with the diversity of his recorded work, along with performing with a wide variety of people in many differing settings and circumstances. He works across a wide range of musical genres, and is continually in demand for recording. He is featured on a vast number of CDs.

Richard was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Of Music from Victoria University (2008); the Queen's Service Medal for services to Taonga Puoro (2009); an Arts Laureate (2009); was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame with Hirini Melbourne (2009); received a Citation for Outstanding Services to Music by the Lilburn Trust (2007); a Citation for Services to New Zealand Music by the Composers Association of New Zealand (2001); and Te Whaiao: Te Ku Te Whe Remixed won Best Maori Album (2008).

richardnunns.net.nz | He ara puoro | Arts Foundation

Listen to Te More