Thorne taking taonga puoro further
Palmerston North taonga puoro artist Rob Thorne is taking on a new position that will see years of ideas come to fruition.
The Creative New Zealand/ Jack C. Richards composer-inresidence position will see Thorne collaborating with the New Zealand School of Music (NZSM) as well as having time to work on solo projects.
‘‘The sheer length of it allows a large body of work to be achieved, and it is an honour to be welcomed into the NZSM fold. The school has always had a strong focus and identifying attitude toward the New Zealand sound - something that I am passionate about.’’
Thorne has 25 years of musical experience, 15 of those were spent researching, playing and performing taonga puoro or Maori musical instruments. He will be moving to Wellington in July to take up residence in the former Thorndon home of celebrated New Zealand composer, the late Douglas Lilburn.
‘‘I’ve had so many ideas for years that just required space and time. I have nowhere to work where I live, it just gets absorbed by everything, so it will be great to have a place to get things done.’’
Thorne will be NZSM’S fourteenth composer-in-residence.
Among the things he will be working on are two follow up albums to Whaia te Maramatanga, a solo album of original taonga poro compositions that he recorded in 2014.
NZSM Acting Director Dugal Mckinnon said Thorne demonstrated both an innovative and sustaining approach to the traditions he is engaged with.
‘‘Rob brings with him an intensity, passion and an openness that enables wider engagement with taonga pu¯oro and Ma¯oritanga. We’re greatly looking forward to his time with us.’’