Auckland Libraries

On Thursday October 29, pianist Camila de Oliveira presented a programme called "When the serious finds the rock "n" roll". She performed a selection from Scriabin’s set of Etudes opus 8 (no's 2,5,8) which was written in 1894, two years after he graduated from the Moscow Conservatory. The set of etudes is composed with a very romantic style which demonstrated Scriabin’s devotion to Chopin. This is contrasted with a work by New Zealander composer Jenny McLeod.. Rock Sonata no. 2 was commissioned for Rae de Lisle by the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council (now Creative New Zealand) with the assistance of the New Zealand Composers' Foundation (now APRA). The composer has generously authorised Auckland Libraries to podcast this work.

On November 12, the Francis-Lee Duo presented a programme called Legacy to acknowledge the legacy of two major composers, the mighty Beethoven and the American composer Korngold. They performed Beethoven's Sonata for violin & piano No. 5 in F major ("Spring"), Op. 24 - Beethoven’s first violin sonata to have four movements, breaking away from the Classical three-movement sonata format. The “extra” movement is extremely short, but it perfectly bridges the sublime simplicity of the second movement and the gracious lyricism of the finale. Korngold's Much Ado About Nothing Suite arranged for violin & piano was produced and arranged for a production of Shakespeare's play at the Burgtheater in Vienna. It was originally scored for chamber orchestra but when orchestra members were not available to perform for an extended run of the play, Korngold quickly adapted the music for violin and piano and played the piano part himself at the later performances. To conclude the Francis-Lee Duo perform Beethoven's Sonata for v

Sue Berman talks with heritage music librarian Marilyn Portman about this month's Kura Tūturu | Real Gold case. This extraordinary collection of illustrated sheet music 19th and early 20th centuries is the result of a lifetime of collecting by Mr John Bellingham. It lies within the context of a much larger collection of music and theatre related material donated to Auckland Libraries in 1999, Songs in the parlour - The Bellingham Papers NZMS 1141 The illustrated sheet music sheds light on musical development since the mid 1800’s to the 1960’s but also reveals much about the external factors that were going on in society at the time. The small selection of items displayed here give a tantilising taste of what lies within the collection NZMS 1141 Bellingham papers: series 5. You can read more here: http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2020/11/songs-in-parlour-victorian-illustrated.html

Andrew Henry - Principal NZ Collections Heritage - shares his enjoyment of the book Range : why generalists triumph in a specialized world. Noted as a 'ground-breaking and exhilarating exploration into how to be successful in the 21st century' it is written by David Epstein the acclaimed author of The sports Gene. You can find this book on our catalogue here: discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/enc…3079603 Also available as an e-book and audio book on the Auckland Libraries catalogue.

This Thursday Heritage concert on 15 October 2020 was presented at the Auckland Central Library by Ensemble East in celebration of Beethoven’s 250th birth year. Spanning from the beginning of Beethoven’s development into a revolutionary composer to his connection with the transcendental in his later years, they called this programme Struggle and Hope. Violinist Yid-Ee Goh and pianist Lisa Chou present his Violin Sonata No. 7 in c minor and then are joined by fellow musicians Dickson Fung and Vanessa Tam for the 3rd movement of String Quartet op. 132.

In this episode Sue Berman talks to map librarian Katrina Laan about a taonga from the heritage collection - Chart of the entrance to Kaipara Harbour, drawn by Captain Thomas Wing, January, 1836. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/maps/id/1896/rec/1 Thomas Wing (1810-1888), master mariner, cartographer, harbourmaster and pilot, was a notable figure in New Zealand’s early European history. Wing acquired his maritime knowledge during his youth in Essex, England. He arrived in New Zealand in August 1832 as a crew member on the Fortitude, which was part owned by his cousin Samuel Stephenson, and by J. R. Clendon, who had a trading base at Okiato. From 1832 to 1834 he journeyed around the northern coast of New Zealand, and to Port Jackson as mate of the Fortitude, acquiring a good knowledge of New Zealand waters. In 1834, Stephenson and Clendon appointed Wing master of their new schooner, the Fanny, which had been built at Hokianga. The Fanny was chartered in January 1836 by Rev. William

Our Thursday Heritage Concerts for 2020 began on 6 August where Trio Eclectica presented a vivacious and contrasting programme of two oft-cited piano trios both in D minor, which represent the finest examples of the genre. The first by the Romantic German master himself, Mendelssohn, with his acclaimed Piano Trio No. 1 (1839) and the second by the influential Russian composer, Arensky, with his lyrical Piano Trio No. 1 (1894). Molto Allegro agitato Andante con molto tranquillo Scherzo. Leggiero e vivace Finale. Allegro assai appassionato Composed in 1839 at age 30, this piece is universally recognised as one of Mendelssohn’s greatest works. Written in the backdrop of Romantic angst, Mendelssohn employs a Schumannesque style and broad melodies to enrapture the audience. The first movement dives straight in with a dark cello melody followed by the violin’s counter-melody. All throughout, the piano’s syncopation and flying arpeggios creates the atmosphere of agitation. The second movement then expresses a p

In this episode of Books and Beyond, Alison and Ineka chat with writer, filmmaker, and Fulbright Scholar Ghazaleh Golbakhsh who has just released a book of essays called The girl from Revolution Road, based on her experience as an Iranian immigrant growing up in New Zealand. The essays cover topics like being different and living between two worlds, micro-aggressions, racial harassment and the events of 15 March 2019. This is a book full of pain, tenderness and surprising amounts of humour. Read more on the Auckland Libraries blog: aucklandlibrariesblog.blogspot.com Auckland Libraries' radio show Books and Beyond explores the world of books with guest authors, recommended reads, gems from the Central City Library basement and… beyond. This episode originally aired on Planet FM 104.6 on 27 September 2020.

This episode of Books and Beyond features Alison in conversation with local author Lil O’Brien, who has recently released her memoir Not that I’d kiss a girl: a Kiwi girl’s tale of coming out and coming of age. Tune in and find out how Lil’s sadness and subtext became motorbikes, main text and happy endings. Read more on the Auckland Libraries blog: aucklandlibrariesblog.blogspot.com Auckland Libraries' radio show Books and Beyond explores the world of books with guest authors, recommended reads, gems from the Central City Library basement and… beyond. This episode originally aired on Planet FM 104.6 on 6 September 2020.

Discover a fascinating and informative read with Māngere East Library manager Amelia Antonio's review in te gagana Tokelau and English of Tokelau: people, atolls and history by New Zealand-born Tokelauan author, Peter McQuarrie. Te vaiaho o te gagana Tokelau Tokalau Language Week is Sunday 25 October - Saturday 31 October 2020 Apoapo tau foe, i nā tāfea i te galutau. Ke mau mai, ke mau mai - Never give up hope, even amidst chaos and much uncertainty. Stay united, stay strong You can find this book on the library catalogue here: https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2253704

From out of the housing crisis towards the end of the Second World War, Auckland City's mayor John Allum came up with the idea of turning former military camps into transit housing, filling the gap between inadequate slum areas and better homes provided by the government schemes, amongst others. The idea took hold nationwide for a time, until the crisis eventually eased. Today, hardly anything remains. Join Lisa Truttman as she talks about the stories and the lives at Auckland's five transit housing camps, at Mt Victoria in Devonport, Western Springs, Victoria Park, the Auckland Domain, and Camp Bunn near Panmure. Click on the link to view this talk on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8GOLCJHNvQ Image: Baby pictured at Titoki street camp, courtesy Tony Brunt Recorded at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero - Auckland Central Library on September 27 2020

Enjoy Pacific Heritage Advisor Daren Kamali's review of Josefa and the Vu by Fijian/Tongan/Kaivalagi author Tulia Thompson, available as a book and eBook in our catalogue. A must-read for adventure-loving kids aged 7-12, tradition and high-stakes action collide when Josefa must recover a precious whaletooth tabua stolen by the school bully with the help of a giant ancestral warrior spirit or Vu and his friend Ming. Macawa ni vosa Vakaviti Fiji Language Week runs from Sunday 4 October/Okotova – Saturday 10 October/ Okotova 2020. This year's theme is "Noqu Vosa, Noqu isema bula” – My language, my living link Find this book in our library catalogue here: https://discover.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2259831

This talk is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2020. On this site overlooking Windmill Park and Mt Eden Road, a well-known landmark once stood proud. Even after it was ravaged by time, the remains of William Mason's windmill caught the imagination of photographers, poets, and visitors to the St Andrews Road ridge in the first half of last century. Join local historian Lisa Truttman as she uncovers the history of this early windmill, which produced some of the city’s first flour "when the winds were blowing". Also, she shares stories of the later owners up to its demolition. Image: A view of the remains of Bycroft's Windmill in St Andrews Road, Epsom, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 4-1528

This talk was originally scheduled to take place at the Avondale Library as part of Auckland Heritage Fesitval 2020. Join local historian Lisa Truttman as she goes back in time to when Avondale and its racecourse had a brief place in early aviation history. As Auckland experienced 'aeroplane fever' in 1913, young adventurers Frederick Esk Sandford and William Stanley Miller worked at perfecting their re-modelled biplane Manurewa No. 1 on the Avondale Racecourse. This is the 107-year anniversary of these incredible flights. Image: Showing Frederick Sandford and William Miller with their biplane at Avondale Racecourse, Auckland, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1370-8-1

Kia ora koutou – welcome to this Auckland Libraries podcast. The talks in this series were originally to be delivered as live events as part of the Auckland Heritage festival. The following talk was originally to be presented at New Lynn library. Today’s speaker is Historian Lisa Truttman. Lisa is a regular speaker for Auckland Libraries, generously sharing her research and knowledge especially during the Auckland Heritage Festival every year. She is currently the President of the NZ History Federation and belongs to several history and heritage societies. She is an author, writing and editing for several journals and newsletters. Lisa also shares her research on her blog Timespanner. Please note that this talk contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. A brutal 1928 crime and murder on New Lynn’s Cardwell Street made headlines around the country and the infamy of it all stained the name of the street so much that residents petitioned to have it changed a year later. It was to

Sue Berman caught up with exhibition curators Elspeth Orwin and Harriet Rogers for a walk around the Food for Thought exhibition, In this track they describe some of the collection items on view in the exhibition. https://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/pages/event.aspx?EventId=10242 You can visit the Food for Thought exhibition at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, the Central City Library from 28 September 2020 – 31 January 2021 This exhibition celebrates the role food plays in family, belonging and culture with stories of Auckland life from kitchen table to restaurant banquet. It includes a feast of material from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections’ rare books, manuscripts, menus, posters and oral histories. No reservation required.

Rare books specialist Jane Wild, caught up with Alexa Johnston for a chat about the history and hero's of the Edmonds Cookery Book through the ages. You can see a variety of Heritage Collection's cook books, including the famous Edmonds cookery book in the Food for Thought exhibition. Check out this 1910 edition on Kura Heritage Collections https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/7164/rec/1 Interview with Alexa Johnston, September 2020 for the Food for Thought exhibition. You can visit the Food for Thought exhibition at Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, the Central City Library from 28 September 2020 – 31 January 2021 www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/pages/even…ntId=10242 This exhibition celebrates the role food plays in family, belonging and culture with stories of Auckland life from kitchen table to restaurant banquet. It includes a feast of material from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections’ rare books, manuscripts, menus, posters and oral histories. No reservation required.

This talk was originally scheduled to take place at the Blockhouse Bay Library as part of Auckland Heritage Fesitval 2020. Long before George Wilder became a New Zealand legend with his prison escapes and the manhunts to apprehend him, there was Isaac Robinson, ex-soldier and serial-escapee from the Mt Eden stockade. Taking place over 150 years ago, his story spans from Ngāruawāhia to the Waitākeres, with at least one incident taking place in Blockhouse Bay. He captured the public imagination for several months in 1866, then six years later vanished without a trace. Lisa relates the lost tale of Isaac Robinson, the man no prison could hold for very long. Image: 'General view of Mount Eden Gaol', Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 7-A14496

In this track Sue Berman shares voices from Auckland Libraries oral history and sound archive which tell a fishy tale. We begin with the voice of Mabel Kewene who in 1983 delivered a talk to the Māngere Bridge Historical Society that included reflections of growing up in Māngere and gathering shell fish in the Manukau Harbour along the coast. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/2382/rec/17 Najib Corban recall his childhood fishing in the Henderson Creek and the plentiful nature of a catch of sprats. Born in 1909, this interview was conducted in his 94th year. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/785/rec/2 This next track is the voice of Beverly Reed, she also describes fishing on the Manukau Harbour and the plentiful nature of fish prior to pollution in the waterways. She also recalls Mrs Gossleman’s fish van outside Lopdell House in Titirangi. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/1062/rec/1 Image

The track includes voices from the Auckland Libraries Oral History Collection. In the first track we hear the voice of Helene Ataya [Nee Corban] Helena was born in 1911, the youngest daughter of Henderson's pioneer winemakers Assid and Najibie Corban. Here she recalls the list of fresh produce grown by her mother including some of the special ingredients needed for Lebanese cooking. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/761/rec/3 In the next track we hear Alice Palmer recall her family Christmas dinner food and mention of a very special addition to the Christmas pudding. In 2014 Sue Gee interviewed Connie Kum for an oral history project from Guangdong to Aotearoa. In this final track we hear Connie talk about celebration Chinese food and the meaning the different foods represent. https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/1646/rec/2 Image: Roadside fruit stall, Henderson, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, JTD-14A-03476 https://kura.