In this episode we will celebrate Matariki (the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters). It marks the Māori New Year, which falls in midwinter, typically between late June and mid-July, and is a time for reflection, celebration, and planning for the future.
This radio show is now available on nextgoldenage.substack.com, Sherry’s piano recordings streamed at zeno.fm/radio/next-golden-age and the programme schedule is here at www.artsinfinitypress.com/13point10
quote: “Let the spirit of Matariki fly into the world, strengthening all hearts” — Old Maori Saying
Short NZ story “The Seven Kites of Matariki” by Calico McClintock and Dominique Ford (Scholastic), read by little Zoe Grant (NZ)
Music: (1) “City of Stars” from La La Land, piano transcription (Sherry Grant piano NZ) (2) Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915): Etude Op.8 No.12 in D# minor, arranged by Jay Reise for left hand alone (Matthew Bengtson, piano USA) (3) Ross James Carey (NZ): Prelude Southern Cross (Sherry Grant piano NZ, Kaohsiung Catch23 Concert, 2023) (4) Chris Artley (NZ): Matariki (NZ Youth Choir, David Squire) (5) Trailer for Eternal Song (2025 film by Maurizio Benazzo and Zaya Benazzo) (6) Gillian Whitehead (NZ): Matariki (Claire Scholes, soprano, NZ, 2017 Auckland concert)
Interview with American pianist Matthew Bengtson, 2025-05-31
Poetry by John Keats (1795-1821, UK) and Edgar Allen Poe (1809-1849, USA)
Haiku by Jackie Chou (USA), m shane pruett (USA) and Jim Kacian (USA)
Artwork: “Matariki” by Shane Hansen (NZ Post, 2024), www.shanehansen.co.nz
News: (1) The Eternal Song: An evening of ancestral wisdom, connection, film and sound to celebrate Matariki and the Winter Solstice. It will take place at the Button Factory in Auckland at 4-9pm on Sunday 22nd of June 2025 (2) Brahms & Mataatua: A Journey in Music by the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Judd, with the world premiere of 'The Journey of Mataatua Whare' by NZ composer Gillian Whitehead at the Dunedin Town Hall on Saturday 28th of June 2025 at 7:30pm, with free Pre-Concert Talk by Dr Andrew Perkins in conversation with Gillian Whitehead and Tessa Petersen at 6.40 - 7.00 pm
Share this post