The launch of Te Whiri marks a unique exploration into Maori World Music and a
first time exploration for Canadian composer Teresa Connors into the world of
traditional New Zealand Maori instruments, Taonga Puoro.
Through the combination of elecroacoutic compositional practices and live Taonga
Puoro, played by established and respected taonga puoro musicians – Rangiiria
Hedley and Bernard Makoare, Teresa weaves together nine, mostly instrumental
tracks.
The inspiration for the album came from taonga (Maori Treasures) in the
international art exhibition ‘Ko Tawa’ which toured throughout Australasia between
2005-2008. The CD accompanied the exhibition and the music was subsequently
used in the documentary film Ko Tawa: Echoes From Our Ancestral Landscapes.
The weaving of traditional Taonga Puoro instruments with contemporary is a new
journey for Maori music – it is story telling with an innovative approach –
one that leads the listener back into Maori history and to a story of their place in
New Zealand.

1. Te Ara

2. Te Wero

3. Te Awa O Te Atua

4. Tau

5. Wananga

6. Maungawhau

7. Ko Tawa

8. Te Pae

9. Epilogue – Purerehua