Stars

The Wellington launch of the Warwick Blair project is accompanied with a screening of Matariki - Taatai Arorangi, a documentary that looks at Maori and Polynesian cosmology and navigation, a short talk by astronomer Ron Fisher from STAR-LAB, and free Indian food. A star party on the street kicks off at 10.00pm with telescopes and discussion on the sky with local astronomers.

Composer Warwick Blair presents his latest work Stars, a 24-hour-longaudio-visual project with video by Paul Moss, inspired by the Indian concept of anoraniyan mahatomahiyan, which proposes an intertwined relationship between the cosmos and human body. Blair's composition draws from gandharva music, which applies particular qualities to specific times of the day, and incorporates electronic backing and vocals from Sandhya Rao Badakere.

Blairs latest work Stars, in performance version, is a 24 hour work for Indian female singer and electronic music backing with or without, from 1 to 6 screens, video projection. Stars is based on Blairs interpretation of the concept of Indian gandharva music ie. through listening to this music a positive healthy effect can be created for the individual, society and environment in accordance with Natural Law.

In keeping with gandharva music and its time theory (called samaya chakra) there are eight sections of three hours each (called praharas) with different qualities to reflect those different periods of the day or night. The effect Blair is aiming for is one of a dream-like, transcendent or ambient quality.

Warwick Blair: Composer/concept
Warwick Blair has been described as one of New Zealands most original musical thinkers (NZ Herald) and the enfant terrible of New Zealand Music (NZ Listener). His 20-year career has included working alongside UK electronica legend Scanner, Greek composer Iannis Xenakis and Madonna/Bjork producer Guy Sigsworth. He has composed for film, television, multimedia and fashion shows, as well as live orchestral concerts both internationally and throughout New Zealand.

Paul Moss: Video Artist/Astronomer
Paul Moss is a multi-disciplinary artist, currently exploring the relationship between atmospheric sky phenomena and human responses. Paul works with both sound and visuals, mastering the necessary technologies to create and perform a wide variety of works.

Sandhya Rao Badakere: Singer
Rao Badakere has recorded cassettes and cds in classical, ghazals and bhajans in Hindi and Marathi on renowned labels such as Music India, CBS and Tips. In 1978 in Sur Singar Samsads 2nd film Sangeet Sammelan, she was awarded Best Voice of India by none other than Nushaad Ali, Salil Choudhary Raj Kapoor B R Chopra and Hridaynath Mangeshkar. In 1998 Rao Badakeres song Sadbhavana was given a National Status by PM Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee and she also co-produced a historical tv series Meerabai with UTV. Rao Badakere has performed on All India Radio and TV in India and has given concerts in India, USA and NZ.

The Wellington launch of the Warwick Blair project is accompanied with a screening of Matariki - Taatai Arorangi, a documentary that looks at Maori and Polynesian cosmology and navigation, a short talk by astronomer Ron Fisher from STAR-LAB, and free Indian food. A star party on the street kicks off at 10pm with telescopes and discussion on the sky with local astronomers.

More details at http://www.filmarchive.org.nz

Event listed by Paul Moss

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