Rob Thorne & Marine/Simonson/Wiskari @ Auckland Unitarian Church

Taonga pūoro artist Rob Thorne & Swedish trio Marine/Simonson/Wiskari – a unique musical meeting not to be missed!
A playful yet masterful exchange between four distinct musical voices, each carrying its own tradition, expression, and colour.

Rob Thorne – Aotearoa New Zealand

Rob Thorne M.A. (Ngāti Tumutumu) is a New Zealand Māori composer, performer, improviser, collaborator, and anthropologist. A leading specialist in taonga pūoro, he is an original and diverse explorer of the evolving musical journey of these ancient voices.

His debut solo album Whāia te Māramatanga is a profound and concentrated conversation between past and present – a musical passage of identity and connection. Using modern looping technology alongside traditional Māori flutes and horns made from stone, bone, shell, and wood, Rob creates transcendent soundscapes that speak to the soul.

Marine/Simonson/Wiskari – Sweden

This dynamic trio brings contemporary Nordic roots music to life with violin, saxophones, flutes, and bass clarinet – vibrant, expressive, and irresistibly groovy. Their music moves seamlessly between traditional Scandinavian folk and original compositions, always leaving space for improvisation. With deep experience as soloists, ensemble players, and composers, these three well-established musicians honour Nordic traditions while pushing creative boundaries.