This new composition from Gareth Farr is dedicated to those New Zealanders all over the world who were lost or whose lives were forever changed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Watch the performance here. Presented in association with the Auckland Arts Festival
This world premiere performance marks two years since New Zealand's unprecedented border closure. It comes as Omicron peaks in New Zealand, and just days after New Zealanders were able to start returning home without having to isolate, as well as the news that New Zealand will begin to open up to visitors from next month.
Listen to the world premiere broadcast of Where Will They Bury My Bones? on RNZ Concert at 9:30pm Saturday 19th March during Sound Lounge.
The theme of ‘Where Will They Bury My Bones?’ is the uncertainty of one's future due to war, pandemic or simply the desire to see the world, which ties in well with the physical reality of this online-only premiere. The work explores the way we experience loneliness, distance and disenfranchisement for our natural country and our national life.
It was written by, and is premiered by, New Zealanders living in different countries. Gareth Farr, composer, in New Zealand; Paul Horan, librettist, in Australia; and Julien Van Mellaerts, baritone, in the United Kingdom – during the COVID pandemic.
Gareth Farr Photo: supplied
"New Zealand is such a mobile population explains composer Gareth Farr. At any one time there are a million New Zealanders not in the country and it's this idea of always being away from home and never knowing where you'll be... at the final moment. And of course none of us ever want to think about that, but it's that fascinating idea of where are we? Where do we belong? And where is home?"
Many of the performers have had personal experiences of loss though the pandemic, whether the loss of work and career opportunities, or the deaths of friends and family whom they often could not be with or farewell properly during the pandemic. Baritone singer Julien Van Mellaerts was based in London with an impressive string of European performances booked when the pandemic and subsequent lock-downs hit hard, as he told The Listener.
"I lost my grandad and my first music teacher and was unable to travel back. This project was already underway. I think of this as our love letter to NZ and those back there. And of course as a way to honour my grandad and music teacher who inspired me so much. Recording this was so touching and special. A group of largely kiwi musicians in London who came together to tell this story was truly magical, I’ll never forget it."
Where Will They Bury My Bones? began with Gareth Farr and librettist Paul Horan exploring the classical idea of the requiem. Over time they have evolved that traditional form to offer something more meaningful and real to New Zealanders.
"It is a very, very emotional piece, and emotions at their complete height can be sad and happy at the same time, they can be laughing and crying at the same time - I listen to it and I laugh and I cry, and I wrote it! So hopefully that's the reaction we'll get from people." - Gareth Farr
About the work
'Where Will They Bury My Bones', for baritone voice, piano, and string quartet, is in four movements with three instrumental interludes.
I. His Back
Interlude One
II. Lament For Him
Interlude Two
III. Lament For Me
Interlude Three
IV. Hiraeth
The performers are Julien Van Mellaerts (baritone), Benjamin Baker, Kate Oswin (violins), Charlotte Bonneton (viola), Matthias Balzat (cello), James Baillieu (piano).
Composer: Gareth Farr, Librettist: Paul Horan
Support for Ukraine
Now, with the horrors of war in Ukraine and the dire situation of millions of displaced people in exodus from their home, the musicians see that their music has additional meaning, and the word "displacement" has a newer currency than they were imagining when they created the work.
The creators and performers are not looking for any payment for this work. However, if you would like to recognise them, they suggest a donation to UNICEF’s Ukraine Appeal
About the Production
‘Where Will They Bury My Bones?’ Was written with funding made available by Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa. With special thanks to Fishmongers Company, London, and Tall Wall Media.
Filmed and recorded 12 January 2022, Fishmongers Hall, London, United Kingdom.
Premiered as part of the Auckland Arts Festival 2022 and proudly supported by RNZ Concert.
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Recording of 'Where will they bury my bones?' Photo: supplied
