Te Hekenga-a-rangi

'Te Hekenga-ä-rangi' celebrates the life and work of Hirini Melbourne, who with long-time musical partner Richard Nunns, recorded this album just before Hirini's death early in 2003.

'Te Hekenga-ä-rangi' continues the work of 'Te Ku Te Whe', their 1994 landmark recording of Pre-European Maori music. These artists make highly innovative use of traditional Maori instruments, many of which are unknown even in Aotearoa. Purerehua, Koauaua, Nose flute, and bull-roarer are among the many musical taonga (treasures) enjoying a renaissance, thanks to Melbourne and Nunns.

This CD/DVD package has new instruments, new techniques, and the introduction of the female voice, plus, importantly, unique video featuring performance, interviews, and demonstrations of traditional Maori instruments.