Events

Taonga pūoro artist Rob Thorne & Swedish trio Marine/Simonson/Wiskari – a unique musical meeting not to be missed! A playful yet masterful exchange between four distinct musical voices, each carrying its own tradition, expression, and colour. Rob Thorne - Aotearoa New Zealand Rob Thorne M.A. (Ngāti Tumutumu) is a New Zealand Māori composer, performer, improviser, collaborator, and anthropologist. A leading specialist in taonga pūoro, he is an original and diverse explorer of the evolving musical journey of these ancient voices. His debut solo album Whāia te Māramatanga is a profound and concentrated conversation between past and present - a musical passage of identity and connection. Using modern looping technology alongside traditional Māori flutes and horns made from stone, bone, shell, and wood, Rob creates transcendent soundscapes that speak to the soul. Marine/Simonson/Wiskari - Sweden This dynamic trio brings contemporary Nordic roots music to life with violin, saxophones, flutes, and bass clarinet - vibrant, expressive, and irresistibly groovy. Their music moves seamlessly between traditional Scandinavian folk and original compositions, always leaving space for improvisation. With deep experience as soloists, ensemble players, and composers, these three well-established musicians honour Nordic traditions while pushing creative boundaries. Jonas Simonson is one of Sweden’s most influential and innovative flute players in folk and world music. Active since the mid-1980s, he has toured globally and helped shape the modern Swedish folk music scene. A prolific composer and recording artist, Jonas has also worked in theatre, production, and academia, where he is a professor of musical performance at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg. Mia Marine is an internationally renowned musician and respected educator within the Scandinavian folk music community. A sought-after composer and arranger, she writes for her own ensembles and a wide range of educational projects. Mia tours worldwide with multiple bands and solo ventures, teaches at the Academy of Music and Drama in Gothenburg, and runs the popular online learning platform, the Groovy Fiddle Academy. Hanna Wiskari is a versatile musician and educator known for her expressive soprano saxophone playing and distinctive Nordic folk sound. She has performed widely across Scandinavia and New Zealand, and for over 15 years has served as an Artistic Mentor for Ethno, a global music project for young musicians. After moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2016, she co-founded Ethno New Zealand and continues to lead numerous intercultural initiatives. This concert is organised by Arts Connections Oceania with support of the Swedish Arts Council

We are very excited to be hosting another workshop with extraordinary Finnish/Swedish singer ANNA FÄLT - Anna’s specialities are different singing traditions from Finland and Sweden, combining the bright Scandinavian and dark East-European tones. She is passionate about the human voice and is known for her innovative ways to use voice as a versatile instrument. All material is taught by ear, with simple melodies that allow for variation, making it accessible for everyone, no matter the background. This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to explore the beautiful world of Nordic folk singing.

Come along for an afternoon of intercultural music-sharing — bring a song, a rhythm, an instrument, or just your listening ears. These sessions are about connection, collaboration, and community. Dates (Sundays): 15 March 2026 19 April 2026 17 May 2026 21 June 2026 16 August 2026 20 September 2026 18 October 2026 15 November 2026 — Transglobal Concert (Finale!) 📍 Location: This will be updated asap ​Free Entry

Step into Matariki with four days of music, learning, and deep connection — with each other and the whenua. This residency is for musicians who want to grow their skills in intercultural music-making and group facilitation, drawing on Ethno music pedagogy from the wider Ethno World movement. What’s included: Ethno-inspired sessions with experienced facilitators Tools for holding space in group settings Inclusive music practice and intercultural approaches Plenty of jamming, sharing, kai, and connection Time to ground into the land and community as we enter the Māori New Year Who is this experience for? ​Open to musicians of all ages and backgrounds — especially great for: People working in music education Music professionals Musicians from communities less represented in the Aotearoa music scene​ ✅ Only 20 spaces available (registration essential) 📍 Aio Wira Retreat Centre: https://www.aiowira.org.nz