This event has been cancelled.
Celebrate International Women’s Day with music and words from inspirational women, including a world premiere commission for taonga puoro and orchestra by Ruby Solly, work by Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Wolfe, and more.
This vibrant programme highlights women composers ranging from the mystic brilliance of 12th century pioneer Hildegard von Bingen, to multi-faceted musician, writer, and taonga puoro practitioner Ruby Solly (Kai Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe).
Historically, music by women has been considered ‘lost’ or ‘forgotten’ – or to tell it like it is, actively marginalised and systemically oppressed.
Shoulder to Shoulder champions work by established Aotearoa composers Dorothy Ker and Rachael Morgan; the only female member of France’s Les Six, Germaine Tailleferre; and international living composers from India, Iran, and the United States – Reena Esmail, Aida Shirazi, and Julia Wolfe in her score for orchestra and electric guitar.
Interspersed with these works, the powerful voices of women are also expressed through poetry, text and spoken word.
Conductor Elena Schwarz
Taonga Puoro Ariana Tikao, Ruby Solly, Te Kahureremoa Taumata, Khali Meari Materoa
Harp Ingrid Bauer
Ruby Solly New work (world premiere)
Rachael Morgan Seeking Answers to the Riddle
Tailleferre Concertino for Harp and Orchestra
Reena Esmail Black Iris
Bingen (arr. Pfau) De innocentibus: Rex noster
Aida Shirazi The Distorted Reminiscences of a Guardian
Dorothy Ker a gentle infinity
Julia Wolfe Big Beautiful Dark and Scary
Presented by Auckland Arts Festival & Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more.