Shoulder to Shoulder

This vibrant programme highlights women composers ranging from the mystic brilliance of 12th century pioneer Hildegard von Bingen, to multi-faceted musician, writer, and taonga puoro practitioners Ruby Solly (Kāi Tahu, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe) and Arts Foundation Laureate Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu).

Historically, music by women has been considered ‘lost’ or ‘forgotten’ – or to tell it like it is, actively marginalised and systemically oppressed. 

Shoulder to Shoulder champions work by established Aotearoa composers Dorothy Ker and Rachael Morgan; the only female member of France’s Les Six, Germaine Tailleferre; and international living composers from India, Iran, and the United States – Reena Esmail, Aida Shirazi, and Julia Wolfe in her score for orchestra and electric guitar. 

Interspersed with these works, the powerful voices of women are also expressed through poetry, text and spoken word.

Presented by Auckland Arts Festival & Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. 

Conductor Elena Schwarz
Taonga Puoro Ariana Tikao, Ruby Solly, Te Kahureremoa Taumata, Khali Meari Materoa
Harp Ingrid Bauer
Guitar Julia Deans

Performed works

Ruby Solly – Ātahu (world premiere)
Rachael Morgan – Seeking Answers to the Riddle
Tailleferre – Concertino for Harp and Orchestra
Reena Esmail – Black Iris
Bingen – (arr. Pfau) De innocentibus: Rex noster
Aida Shirazi – The Distorted Reminiscences of a Guardian
Dorothy Ker – a gentle infinity
Julia Wolfe – Big Beautiful Dark and Scary