A unique and exotic 45 to 60 minutes presentation with Timua Brennan and four Maori performers.
Canti Maori presents traditional Maori instruments, Maori voices, incantations (waiata, karanga, karakia) and (optional) opera singing by Timua Brennan. Canti Maori is an innovative, elegant and sophisticated concept of presenting Maori music with Maori performers, an exciting journey for both the audience and participants.
An ideal programme for presentation at international Festivals, conferences, or any venue or occasion where Maori culture can be showcased.
With funding from Te Waka Toi Creative New Zealand, the group has performed on tour in Rome , Tuscany and Sicily where there is much interest in Maori culture and music.
“Managed by Patricia Hurley of Wellington, the group impressed audiences wherever they went. All were excellent ambassadors for New Zealand .” (Julie MacKenzie, New Zealand Ambassador to Italy).
Timua Te Puhi Kai Ariki Brennan-Bryan, soprano
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Timua Te Puhi Kai Ariki Brennan-Bryan, soprano. |
Of distinguished lineage from tribes Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa, Ngai Tahu, is a foremost Maori soprano and performing artist from Rotorua, New Zealand’s capital of Maori culture. Timua is accompanied by three Maori performers from Rotorua who have been performing Maori arts from an early age.
Passionate about their culture, and honoured to share and showcase their unique culture in Italy, they believe the exposure of their taonga (treasures) to the world will keep these treasures alive. “Opera inspires passion in both performers and audiences” says Timua explaining why a mother of four adult children and grandmother has made life-changing decisions to develop her talent.
After singing locally for many years in Rotorua, Timua was 'discovered' in a singing competition and was encouraged to seek professional voice training. After five years of study she has just completed a Master of Music with First Class Honours in Vocal Performance at Waikato University.
“The thrill comes when one hears an unknown voice which sends shivers down the spine. This happened on hearing a young Maori grandmother… who has had training for only four years, who won or was placed in everything she entered.” (Jan/Feb 2003, NZ Opera News.)
Bruce Greenfield, foremost New Zealand vocal coach and accompanist, says she is “another unique New Zealand voice – coupled with a real performance presence and wonderful ability to communicate”.
Timua’s passion for singing and loyalty to New Zealand composers both Maori and non-Maori gives her a great sense of pride to experience the creativity of both cultures. She enjoys the interaction of working with and learning from people of different cultures and backgrounds. |
PROGRAMME
(45 minutes) includes traditional chants Karanga, Powhiri, Moteatea, Waiata Tangi, and Waiata Aroha. Timua performs Maori waiata (songs) composed by foremost Maori composers Dr Hirini Melbourne, Gillian Whitehead, Rim D. Paul and George Hori Brennan (her father), all accompanied by Maori instruments and voice. The Maori instruments are koauau, putorino, purerehua, pounamu mere, conch, taiaha, poi (including flutes and shells).
Optional addition (15 minutes) shows Maori's emergence into the Italian opera repertoire with Timua singing arias by Puccini and Verdi.
Workshops can follow with the opportunity to speak to the performers and learn about the instruments at close hand.
CONTACT Patricia Hurley for further information.
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