Georgina Palmer - Maramataka

Debuted during the 2023 At The World's Edge Festival with:
Ben Goldscheider (French horn)
Lorna Zhang (violin)
Damon Herlihy-O'Brien (cello)
About:
Maramataka explores the journey of the moon across an ever-changing night sky through the intimate instrumentation of the horn, violin and cello. I was inspired by the many nights I have spent gazing up at the gentle yet powerful moon - in all of its phases and forms - in my backyard, along with learning about the significance of the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) to our tangata whenua.
This new composition comprises three contrasting sections, all of which are connected through a short theme that represents Matariki and the significance of new beginnings:
I. Piki te Marama | The Moon Rises
A poignant horn solo represents the beginning of the moon’s travels over the horizon, with expressive string interludes embodying its power amidst the maruāpō (night sky) it traverses.
II. Whiro-te-tipua | Fury with the Lord of Darkness
Māori mythology tells us that, during a lunar eclipse, Whiro-te-tipua (the Lord of Darkness) is at war with the moon. A furious battle between our marama (moon), whetū (stars) and maruāpō is represented through energised conversations and dynamic contrast in the horn, violin and cello.
III. Marama Rangimarie | At Peace with the Moon and Sky
At last, our beautiful marama - represented once again by the mellow sound of the horn - can continue her peaceful journey across Aotearoa. Maramataka concludes with a gentle horn solo that echoes the opening, this time with the strings gently “shimmering” like stars.
Through writing Maramataka, I have strived to narrate moments of both my personal and traditional Māori lunar experiences. I hope listening to this composition reignites the listener with memories associated with our marama, our whetū and our maruāpō.
Acknowledgements:
Thank you so much to Ben, Lorna and Damon for bringing this work to life. It's a privilege to work with you all. Thank you also to Justine Cormack and Benjamin Baker, the Artistic Directors of the At The World's Edge Festival, for an incredible two weeks of music and collaboration. Thank you to Salina Fisher for her role in mentoring me throughout the composition process. Finally, thank you to SOUNZ and RNZ for the audio and visual recording of this debut performance at Te Atamira, Queenstown.
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Preview and purchase the composer's scores here: sounz.org.nz/c...
Website: www.georginapa...

[@ooshcon]

Incredible! I have been waiting to hear this again since you debuted it at AWE last year. What a gift to feel the feelings again. Beautiful work 👏🏽 hope you have been well.

[@georginacmpalmer]

Thank you so so much! Hope you are well too 🧡

[@Jared-v2x]

Beautiful

[@georginacmpalmer]

Thanks Jared! 🩷