Orawa in Lockdown

Описание: On March 10 , 2020 the New Zealand School of Music Strings had a first read through "Orawa" by Polish composer Wojciech Kilar, for a concert planned in late April. On March 23, because of the Covid-19 outbreak in New Zealand, the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, declared a State of Emergency and a lock down to commence at 11.59 pm on March 25. This lock down at Level 4 lasted until 11.59pm yesterday (April 27). The lock down continues at Level 3 as we post this video, but with a slight easing of restrictions.

The string students were scattered around New Zealand for these five weeks (and still are), unable to leave their close-knit bubbles, but fortunately had taken with them their instruments and music for "Orawa". Under the direction of Devyn Fowles, one of the violinists, they videoed themselves in their various locations on whatever devices they had with them and sent them to her. She has achieved a remarkable feat here pulling all these parts together into what is a complex and challenging piece to do even in real time in a room together. The process focused mainly on synchronising the audios from each of the players. Matching visuals was far more challenging. The intent is to capture the overall energy and it is acknowledged that sometimes visual images are not in sync with the audio.

This video is dedicated to the Essential Workers and Victims of Covid-19.

It is also from me a personal tribute to my friends and colleagues in Poland. There had been a plan to make a film in Poland with the amazing Anna Kochnowicz-Kann, of Polish and New Zealand music, including this very work, with New Zealand and Polish musicians working together as part of a bigger project, directed by Marcin Murawski and myself. Sadly this will not proceed. - Donald Maurice