A taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments) musician has been selected for a three month residency to share his craft with the community.

Horomona Horo, of Ngapuhi, Taranaki and Ngati Porou descent, will use the residency at Rotorua Arts Village Experience (RAVE) to develop a number of taonga puoro resources, and to host workshops for taonga puoro enthusiasts. A taonga puoro (traditional Maori instruments) musician has been selected for a three month residency to share his craft with the community.

Horomona Horo, of Ngapuhi, Taranaki and Ngati Porou descent, will use the residency at Rotorua Arts Village Experience (RAVE) to develop a number of taonga puoro resources, and to host workshops for taonga puoro enthusiasts.The 'Arts Residencies Rotorua' scheme is a collaborative effort between Rotorua District Council, Rotorua Trust and Creative Communities supporting local artists to complete creative projects.

Mr Horo says he aims to raise the instruments' profile in Rotorua, and further afield, during his placement between August and November.

"Hopefully the wider community will be able to see and hear for themselves the richness of our traditional Maori instruments.

"It is an opportunity for them to come and learn not only about the music, but the stories that hold it together. Like our local story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, for example, it was the koauau (flute) that binded this story together."

Mr Horo says he also hopes to work with artists across different genres, including musicians, poets and painters.

RDC Community Arts Officer, Kiri Jarden, says Mr Horo is an awesome talent, passionate about ensuring instruments becomes better understood, and more widely played.

"Horomona was mentored by tohunga (experts) of taonga puoro, the late Dr Hirini Melbourne and Richard Nunns, and strove to meet their standards and expectations. He has performed in many different musical genres, alongside talented musicians of national and international acclaim.

"We eagerly await the opportunities his tremendous skills and talent will offer during the next three months and beyond," says Ms Jarden.

Press release: Rotorua District Council

18/08/08