James Wade: Te Matua Ngahere
James Wade Photo: SOUNZ
"Te Matua Ngahere (The Father of the Forest) takes its name from the ancient Kauri tree located in Waipoua Forest, Northland, New Zealand.
The music is a journey to meet with the great tree, drawing on two visits made to the Waipoua Forest in addition to many other natural environments.
Te Matua Ngahere received its première performance in 2006 by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Brett Dean." ~ James Wade
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Hamish McKeich (conductor)
James Wade was a gentle and thoughtful presence at the 2016 NZ Composer Sessions, a composer from Australia with strong family links to New Zealand. We were greatly saddened to learn of James’s passing in 2017.
He composed music for numerous leading arts companies internationally. James received his musical education from the Universities of Melbourne, Sydney and British Columbia. His work frequently engages with nature, life experience and other art disciplines.
Recent premières include a production for the Australian Ballet and Orchestra Victoria and a work for Sydney-based vocal ensemble The Song Company.
Recorded by RNZ Concert for the 2016 NZ Composer Sessions.
