The Huia was a rare and tapu bird, confined to the Ruahine, Tararua, Remutaka and Kaimanawa mountain ranges in the south-east of the North Island. Their calls were mostly a varied array of whistles, “peculiar and strange”, but also “soft, melodious and flute-like.” The Huia bird is now extinct.

Join Michael Vinten as he takes us on an entertaining, informative and frequently fascinating journey of discovery through the forgotten world of the Art Song of Aotearoa.

We will hear highlights from his recent 3 volume collection of mainly unpublished pre-1950 New Zealand Art Songs. These songs – sung by our grandparents and great-grand parents – provide a glimpse into the preoccupations and concerns of their times through peace and war.  Discover the significant contribution of women both Māori and Pākehā  to music-making of this period as composers and poets.

Join us for this unique insight into this important but forgotten chapter of Aotearoa’s musical legacy.