Black Rainbow Events

Inspired by the work of Ralph Hotere and Michael Parekowhai, the exhibition Black Rainbow will be accompanied by a series of special gallery talks and musical events.

Bringing the magnificent red piano to life, there will be free classical and jazz recitals on Saturday afternoons, opportunities for the public to book and play the piano on Sunday afternoons, and a selection of headline evening events curated by local composer, Hermione Johnson, all supported by the Chartwell Trust.

Sunday 14 December, 2pm: 101 Pianos: The Keyboard in Contemporary Culture
Te Uru director Andrew Clifford gives a brief history of keyboards that connect the worlds of art and music.

Saturday 17 January, 3pm: Afternoon Jazz
A free performance from Rosie Langabeer and Jim Langabeer.

Saturday 24 January, 7pm: Chris Abrahams (Sydney/Berlin)
An exclusive and intimate solo performance from renowned New Zealand-born Australian musician, best known for his keyboard work in the trio, The Necks.

Wednesday 28 January – Saturday 31 January, 7.30pm: Dido and Aeneas
A new opera by New Zealand composer Alex Tayler, directed by Frances Moore and based on Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

Saturday 31 January, 3pm: Afternoon Classical
A free performance from William Green, who pays tribute to New Zealand icon, Douglas Lilburn.

Saturday 7 Feburary, 7pm: Jonathan Crayford
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Crayford presents an intimate solo recital.

Wednesday 11 February, 7pm: New Music from Aotearoa
A programme of new works by composers Dylan Lardelli, Alexandra Hay and Samuel Holloway, performed by Stephen De Pledge and commissioned especially for Te Uru’s Black Rainbow series, and a performance of Eve de Castro-Robinson’s solo cello work, Commemoration, performed by Katherine Hebley.

Saturday 14 February, 7pm: Lawrence Arabia
A special Valentines Day serenade from Lawrence Arabia.

Saturday 21 February, 7pm: Magda Mayas
Radical Berlin-based pianist Magda Mayas performs with He Kōrero, presented in association with the Audio Foundation.

Sunday 22 February, 5.30pm: Dido and Aeneas
A special encore performance of the new opera by New Zealand composer Alex Tayler, directed by Frances Moore and based on Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas.

Friday 27 February, 7pm: Final performance
A duet with composer and pianist Hermione Johnson with drummer Riki Gooch, while musician and artist Philip Dadson performs solo for the final recital with He Kōrero at Te Uru.

Sunday 1 March, 2pm: Curator talk 
A free gallery talk from the Te Papa curator behind the exhibition, Megan Tamati-Quennell.

Every Sunday: opportunities for the public to book and play the piano throughout the day. Book your slot at reception.

01 March

Image: Michael Parekowhai, He kōrero pūrākau mo te awanui o te motu: Story of a New Zealand River, 2011 (detail), wood, brass, automotive paint, mother of pearl, pāua shell, upholstery. Purchased 2011, with the assistance of the Friends of Te Papa, Te Papa.