City Gallery Wellington has re-opened after refurbishment with a new exhibition entitled This is New Zealand.
It explores art’s role in establishing and questioning notions of national identity, taking a critical look at how we portray ourselves, and the stories we’ve told others, about ourselves.
It includes three installations that were displayed at the Venice Biennale, and many other works that have been associated with World Fairs, Expos, and diplomatic contexts.
We asked you to choose some of your favourite classical Kiwi tunes that define New Zealand.
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performing 'Pokarekare Ana'
Suggested by Sarah. This video features Dame Kiri performing at the Millennium celebrations.
Gareth Farr’s 'From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs'
Suggested by Barbara. Gareth has a fascination with sea gongs…great and little. These compositions have initiated musicians of all levels to percussion. Here’s Strike percussion making a big bang with the Little Sea Gongs.
Douglas Lilburn’s 'Drysdale Overture'
David says: Drysdale was named after his farm; you can’t get more Kiwi than that. And it’s a lovely big tune.
David Farquhar’s 'Ring Round the Moon'
Suggested by Pamela and Murray. This is Farquhar’s most iconic composition, originally written for a production of Jean Anouilh’s Ring Round the Moon.
Salina Fisher’s 'Torino'
Zoe says: This piece is a reflection of the future of classical music in New Zealand – fresh, cross-cultural and able to be translated to a range of instruments (as proven at last year’s Silver Scrolls).
Douglas Lilburn’s 'Sings Harry'
This is a setting of text by iconic poet Denis Glover. The song cycle was recently recorded as part of the Resound Project at SOUNZ, performed by Roger Wilson and Gillian Bibby.
Do you have a tune that should be added to the list? Email upbeat@radionz.co.nz
