Students to present cultural fusion in China

A delegation from the University of Auckland will represent New Zealand at the Beijing Modern Music Festival in China this month.

The delegation comprises 11 students of Maori, Samoan, Fijian, South African, Chinese and New Zealand European extraction from the University’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries.

The group, comprising dancers and a music student, will perform among an international line-up of artistes from North America, Europe and China.

The central theme of the New Zealand performance would be Woven, with infused sound-scape of vocals and electronic Maori and percussive sounds.

Choreographed by postgraduate student Juanita Jelleyman, Woven would be one of seven pieces in the 90-minute ensemble.

It would reflect New Zealand’s cultural diversity, weaving together threads of Maori, Pacific and contemporary New Zealand movement.

Head of the School of Music, Professor Robert Constable, said the Chinese tour was a great opportunity for the students involved.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase the high level of creative talent in New Zealand to an international audience,” he said.

Head of the Dance Studies Programme Associate Professor Ralph Buck said the tour would build the confidence and identity of the emerging artists on tour. 

“The experience will place their learning, knowledge and skill in an international context from which they can view the peculiarities and distinctive cultural elements of New Zealand and Pacific culture. The students return wiser and more confident with a greater appreciation of their own strengths,” he said.

Following the performance at the Beijing Modern Music Festival, the Group will appear at the Nanjing Arts Institute, where they will also run cultural dance workshops including a Maori Kapa Haka workshop, for staff and students.