Huata whanau preforming at the Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival Launches Preview of 2020 Festival Programme this week. Photo / Paul Taylor
The Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival celebrates its sixth year with a homegrown line-up featuring some of Aotearoa's finest talent.
With 65 events over the two-week period from October 12-26, there is something for all tastes.
The 2020 Festival is inspired by well-known local waiata Tūtira mai ngā iwi, which
calls to stand united, shoulder to shoulder, pakihiwi ki te pakihiwi.
It is reflected in the festival's opening performance curated by international theatre artist Lemi Ponifasio in collaboration with his company MAU Wahine, the Hawke's Bay Orchestra conducted by Jose Aparicio and Kahurangi Dance Theatre.
It will also feature in a special trip down memory lane with waiata by some of Ngāti Kahungunu's most beloved composers Te Amorangi Wi Te Tau Huata, Paraire Tomoana and Taite Cooper, performed by local talent Howard McGuire, Erena Tomoana, Katherine Winitana, Ngatai Huata and whānau and Ngāti Kahungunu Taikura alongside a stellar lineup of iconic musicians from around Aotearoa including Don McLashan, Lisa Tomlins, Hollie Smith, Louis Baker and Whirimako Black.
