“A multi-lingual, compelling collection of folklore songs, where archaic musical systems are reimagined for three vivacious voices. In this performance, Tui Mamaki (French-Kiwi), Chelsea Prastiti (Greek-Kiwi) and Sally Howe (Cook Island-Kiwi) interweave songs from their grandmothers – both genetic and imagined – with a bespoke repertoire issue of Tui Mamaki’s love affair with Bulgarian Folklore. Evocative melodies, stirringly close harmony and stories of longing, harvest and transcendence.”
ACAPOLLiNATiONS, founded in 2013, released their debut EP in 2014, alongside concerts at CJC Creative Jazz Club and Hamilton Garden Arts Festival. This EP featured Bulgaria Folk Choral Classics, imbued with the fresh playful arrangements of Tui Mamaki – developing rhythmical and harmonic themes, with space for improvisation. Tui then traveled to the Balkans (Bulgaria) to immerse herself in the vocal traditions that inspire a large part of the work. In 2016-17 this unique trio enchanted audiences at Prana Festival, Titirangi Festival of Music, Te Uru Contemporary Art Gallery (Waitakere) and Luminate Festival. In 2023 they return to the stage (including WOMADNZ) with a new album/show called “M/OTHER Tongue” – a beautifully polyglot repertoire, enriched by further travels and motherhood.
"Exquisitely crafted arrangements transport the audience to another time and place… "
Karen Hunter (Musical Director of Prana Festival NZ)
"Beautiful, unique, holding the audience with just the power of the voice… "
David Parker (Director of Titirangi Festival of Music)
"Hauntingly beautiful… "
Hamish Nathan (Director of Hamilton Garden Arts Festival)
"Amongst the top global performers and innovators in the vocal arts…. draw from deep traditions but bring a contemporary lens and a joyous warmth that made them a big hit with audiences at WOMAD NZ 2023. "
Kedron Parker (Havana Coffeeworks Global Pulse, RadioActive.FM)
"A powerful and angelic-voiced trio… Haunting and mysterious, whilst full of warmth and soul… Transcendent timeless music. "
Ratilal Ranchhod / Rev Orange Peel (13th Floor)
