Close Encounters: Aroha/Ahava

In a nutshell:
Soulful and searching vocals / Music to move mind and body

Three intimate performances at three beautiful Auckland locations, Close Encounters allows you to engage with some of New Zealand's finest musicians, composers, vocalists and dancers.

Featuring the renaissance sounds of early music ensemble Age of Discovery at Leigh Sawmill Cafe, the earthy-rich melodies of composer Jonathan Besser and singer Mere Boynton at the new Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery in Titirangi, and the ghostly PAH at the stately Pah Homestead, Close Encounters is an exclusive and unique suite of performances that will enrich, enchant and inspire.

Mere Boynton - vocalist
Jonathan Besser - harmonium
Charmian Keay - violin
Iselta Allison - viola
Maree Thom - bass
Finn Scholes- vibraphone
Chris O'Connor - percussion

Aroha/Ahava is a beautiful musical conversation of art songs for voice and chamber group that weaves a journey through Jewish and Māori beliefs and expressions of aroha and ahava (love).

Featuring accomplished composer Jonathan Besser and singer Mere Boynton Aroha/Ahava creates an evocative song tāniko/tapestry made up of dark texts and earthy-rich melodies that tell the stories of two traditionally tribal peoples and their inextricable binds with whenua/land.

The performance will be followed by a tour of the exhibition.

Photograph: Ken Downie