26 Jun 2022

David Mason - composing Maori orchestral sound

From Standing Room Only, 12:27 pm on 26 June 2022
David Mason

David Mason Photo: Supplied

Creating a distinctive Maori orchestral sound by integrating the style and colour of traditional Maori music with the vast range of an orchestra is the goal of award winning composer and sonic artist, David Mason.

He's busy working on five new compositions this year as the National Youth Orchestra's Composer in Residence. The orchestra is about to premiere one of them, Wahi Ngaro.

Lynn Freeman speaks to David about how he explores the juxtaposition of his Maori heritage with his work as a classical composer.

David Mason and the National Youth Orchestra will be performing at the Michael Fowler Centre on Thursday 7 July, and the Christchurch Town Hall on Saturday 9 July.

The National Youth Orchestra in performance 2022

The National Youth Orchestra 2022 Photo: Latitude Creative