Well-known New Zealand musician Tama Waipara joins Auckland Arts Festival as Programme Manager, Maori & Pacific programmes for the 2013 Festival.

Well-known New Zealand musician Tama Waipara joins Auckland Arts Festival as Programme Manager, Maori & Pacific programmes for the 2013 Festival.

Tama Waipara (Rongowhakaata/ Ngati Ruapani/ Ngati Porou) has an enormous breadth of experience as a composer, performer and arts manager. Classically trained, he graduated with a Masters degree in Music from the prestigious Manhattan School of Music in New York. Immediately after graduating he was signed by New York label ObliqSound and released his debut album to much acclaim at Central Park Summerstage.

Tama has since returned to New Zealand to release a further two albums and is currently working on the release of his third, recorded in New York.

As a musician he has collaborated with drummer Kim Thompson, Grammy-nominated American artist Emily King, NZ jazz giant Nathan Haines, as well as well-known Maori and Pacific artists Maisey Rika and Annie Crummer.

He recently performed with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Chamber Orchestra as a soloist , starred as Tom Collins in the musical, Rent and performed the role of Apirana Puoro in the touring production Raising The Titanics.

His work as a composer for theatre and dance includes: When The Rain Stops Falling, Rabbit, Whero’s New Net, Havoc in The Garden, Polly Hood in Mumuland, The Brothers’ Size, Symbole et Realite and Atamira Dance Company.

Tama recently worked as part of the team responsible for programming music on Queens Wharf during the Rugby World Cup.

Artistic Director, Carla van Zon is very excited with the appointment which will strengthen the Festival’s focus on presenting Maori and Pacific work as well as developing audiences from these communities.

“Tama’s appointment is fabulous for the Festival and reinforces our dedication to ensuring that contemporary Maori and Pacific work is at the heart of the festival and we can assist with its development. Tama has strong connections throughout the Maori and Pacific arts communities as well as having a breadth of knowledge about music nationally and internationally.”

CEO, David Inns adds that Tama’s appointment signals an ongoing commitment to strengthening Auckland Arts Festival’s role in showcasing Auckland and New Zealand artists.

“Tama has a fantastic pedigree as a New Zealand musician and performer and is highly respected in the arts industry and among Maori and Pacific artists and communities. We are thrilled he has joined the team for the next Auckland Arts Festival in March 2013.”

About Auckland Arts Festival

Auckland Arts Festival is the region's biggest celebration of arts and culture. The biennial Festival presents a comprehensive programme of international and national theatre, music and dance performances, plus a wide range of free events and exhibitions.

The next Auckland Arts Festival is 6th – 24th March 2013.

Media Release: Auckland Arts Festival