Tararua is an art music quartet based in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. Members are Al Fraser (taonga puoro), Ariana Tikao (taonga puoro & vocals), Ruby Solly (taonga puoro, vocals & cello), and Phil Boniface (double bass & taonga puoro).
Their evocative music combines taonga pūoro, waiata, karakia and pūrākau (story) with a strong southern Māori influence, with the western instrumental elements of the cello and doublebass. The ensemble is made up of four established artists Alistair Fraser, Ariana Tikao, Ruby Solly and Phil Boniface; who are each leaders in their various fields. ‘Tararua’ (meaning ‘two peaks’), connects whakapapa, from mountains in both North and South Islands, this contemporary New Zealand art music weaves the voices of Aoraki, the spiritual home of Ruby Solly and Ariana Tikao, winding through Te Waipounamu raised, Wellington based artist Al Fraser, and merging into Phil Boniface’s birthplace and connection with the Tararua ranges.
Stay connected to Tararua’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/Tararuaband where you can keep up to date with the latest single releases and gig events as they come to hand.
