Work
The Lights of Matariki - Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea
for mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists, unison treble voices, mixed-voice choir and chamber orchestra
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About
The writers of the text offer this background:
This piece speaks to Matariki using content as taught as ‘Ngā mata o te ariki Tāwhirimātea’ (the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea) by Dr Rangi Mataamua. Each of the stars represent special meaning for the Māori people and these representations (and the stories that accompany them) can differ from region to region. For example, one star holds meaning as carrying the memories of loved ones passed on, another representing a good time to plant food that grows from the ground.
Traditionally, Matariki was a time to remember those who had died in the last year. But it was also a happy event – crops had been harvested and seafood and birds had been collected. With plenty of food in the storehouses, Matariki was a time for singing, dancing and feasting. In the past, tohunga (priests or experts) looked to Matariki to predict the success of the next harvest. The brighter and clearer the stars seemed, the warmer the growing season would be, ensuring a good harvest.
Commissioned note
The Lights of Matariki / Ngā Mata O Te Ariki Tāwhirimātea was commissioned by Auckland Choral (music director: Uwe Grodd) and written to mark the composer’s 40th year as a member of the choir.