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The Kotuku Quintet return to the stage to conclude our Spring series with a programme of two Mozart quintets featuring different instrument combinations. The first work is the Largo-Allegro moderato movement of the Quintet in E-flat, K.452. This quintet was originally scored for piano and woodwind—oboe, clarinet , horn and bassoon but here we have an arrangement for piano and string quartet. Next we have Mozart’s String Quintet no. 4 K. 516 with Louise Webster playing the second viola part. This quintet featuring 2 violas, was completed in May 1787 during the final illness of Mozart’s father. The key of G minor has strong associations for Mozart with feelings of anguish and anxiety, as seen in the Symphony no. 40 and the Piano quartet K478. The addition of a second viola adds to the darker colour. The work is made up of 4 movements: I. Allegro II. Menuetto: Allegro III. Adagio ma non troppo IV. Adagio—Allegro The final movement unexpectedly launches into an ebullient Allegro in G major in stark contrast wit

In the sixth and final episode of The Panthers podcast, host Benji Timu speaks with Choice Vaughan, Jonathan Crayford, and Diggy Dupe about the music created and selected to provide a distinctive soundtrack for the Panthers series. Producer of sound track Choice Vaughan, composer and music writer Jonathan Crayford, and lyrical rapper and producer Diggy Dupe, discuss where their creativity comes from and the inspiration that help create the distinct sound associated with the series. They share what it was like being involved in such a special project. A special thanks to host Benji Timu and guests along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

Actor Haanz Fa’avae Jackson who played the role of Fred in The Panthers series, and Director Mario Faumui who directed two of the series episodes, talanoa with host Benji Timu. In this episode the discussion focuses on the history of the Dawn Raids; how, until recently, it was not taught in NZ schools, and how for those who didn’t experience it or live through that time, they have little awareness of this important part of NZ history. A special thanks to host Benji Timu and guests along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

In this episode we talanoa with actors Ravikanth Gurunathan [Ravi] who plays Nigel, and Rokolani Lavea [Roko] who plays the role of Kong. Host Benji Timu talks with both actors about the roles they played and how they got into acting in the first place, and the connections that led them to being involved in The Panthers series. They discuss growing up in Auckland as a Pacific Islander for Roko, and what it was like for Ravi growing up as Indian, and how they both experienced systemic racism in their younger years, including in the education system. A special thanks to host Benji Timu and guests along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

The second episode of The Panthers podcast is a talanoa with Jaunnie Ilolahia the Producer of the series and daughter of the main character Will Ilolahia, and actor Villa Junior Lemanu, with your host Benji Timu. This episode focused on what it was like being involved in the production of a series that was so close to home for Jaunnie Ilolahia, and what it was like to be able to tell the story of her father’s legacy. She tells us about how the idea came about to turn The Polynesian Panthers movement into a television series. We also talk to Villa who played the character of Foof, and what it was like playing this role, and meeting the real-life Uncle John a.k.a Foof. A special thanks to host Benji Timu and guests along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

In this first episode of The Panthers podcast we talanoa with Dimitrius Schuster-Kolomatangi, who played the main character of Will Ilolahia and with Miki Magasiva who directed the first two episodes of The Panthers television series. The episode focuses on the history of the Polynesian Panthers movement in Aotearoa, what it was like for Miki do be involved in directing such a raw and powerful show, and what it was like for Dimitrius acting in his first major role. A special thanks to host Benji Timu and guests along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

In the third episode of The Panthersm host Benji Timu has a talanoa with Director Vea Mafile’o and actress Lealani Siaosi who played the character of Dr. Melani Anae. This episode focused on the topic of equality for women, and what it is like for Pasifika women in the film and entertainment industry in Aotearoa New Zealand. Vea discussed how she got into the film industry, and what led her to be involved in The Panthers television series. Lealani talked about what it was like to play the powerful and important character that was Dr Melani Anae in her breakout television acting role, as well as what it was like to meet the real Melani in person. A special thanks to host Benji Timu, and Jaunnie Ilolahia, and Villa Junior Lemanu, along with the Auckland Council Pasifika Success team for supporting this podcast series.

Join Alison and Ineka in the Literary Lounge as they discuss books about chivalry, champagne, churches and cancel culture. Books mentioned on the show can be requested from the Auckland Libraries catalogue – most are available in multiple formats American Fever / Dur E Aziz Amna – Fiction – 2022: bit.ly/3O5wXZv The dance tree / Kiran Millwood Hargrave – Historical Fiction – 2022: bit.ly/3tt21ZM The marriage portrait / Maggie O’Farrell – Historical Fiction – 2022: bit.ly/3EsYD7l The ghosts of Paris / Tara Moss – Historical Crime Fiction – 2022: bit.ly/3TtMGCF Girlcrush : a hot, dark story / Florence Given – Fiction – 2022: bit.ly/3UryP17

In this duo concert, Polly Sussex and Sarah Watkins present two beautiful and unusual works for cello and piano. The two composers, Ethel Smyth and Melanie Bonis were born in the same year on opposite sides of the English Channel. They were both destined to suffer the poor public profile of female composers in the early twentieth century, regardless of the high quality of their work. Both works show an intimate knowledge of the instruments and are a welcome addition to the repertoire. Today, two established Auckland performers present, for what is thought to be the first time in New Zealand, the first cello sonata of English suffragette Ethel Smyth, and the only cello sonata by the French woman Mel. Bonis.

In this concert Buckminsterfullerine Trio embark on a journey from despair to hope with a programme representing the remarkable tenacity of the human spirit to endure hardship. Featuring Rachminoff’s Trio Elegiaque and Elgar’s famous cello Concerto, they also pay tribute to the father of Ukranian music, Mykola Lysenko, with his evocative and moving work “Moment of despair” arranged for violin and piano from his Personal Album Op. 40 for piano. They conclude their programme with Shostakovich’s Piano trio no. 1 Op.8

Justin Bird, Auckland born pianist, returns to the stage to present an offering of German and French piano music. After a decade of studies in the US he returned to NZ in 2018 taking a hiatus from performing to build a studio of piano students. Now performing again - his first foray features German masterpieces by Bach, Schubert, and Schumann pitted side by side with elegant French bonbons by Chabrier and Faure for a sandwich of beautifully balanced music. Toccata and Fugue in D minor J. S. Bach / Busoni Nocturne No. 4 Gabriel Faure Klavierstücke No. 1, D.946 Franz Schubert Menuet Pompeaux Emmanual Chabrier Kinderszenen Robert Schumann Of foreign lands and people A curious story Blind mans bluff Pleading child Happy enough An important event Dreaming At the fireside Knight of the hobbyhorse Almost too serious Frightening Child falling asleep The Poet speaks

Our Spring concert series begins with the vibrant Kaha Trio, all students from the University of Auckland School of music. They start with Bach’s unique and beautiful fifth cello suite. They follow with Beethoven’s piano sonata no 24 in F# major which, according to Carl Czerny, Beethoven singled out along with the “Appassionata” as one of his favourite sonatas. Chopin‘s Andante spianato et grande polonaise brilliante op. 22 for piano will draw the listeners in with its dreamy opening movement contrasted with the dramatic dance movement.

Episode 6: Join librarians Ella and John as they talk about the adventures of Mr Toad. He is a scene stealing amphibian and he knows it! Despite his mischievous ways he has a good heart and good friends in Ratty, Mole and Badger. In this episode Toad sings his own praises and Toad Hall becomes the scene of an epic battle. If you enjoyed these chapters, ask one of our friendly librarians to help you find the Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame in your local Auckland Library.

Ray and Lindsey Vickers describe the rural nature of the community in the early days and what people did for entertainment. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Ray and Lindsey Vickers, 2014, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-006 Image: Mixed farm, Pakuranga, 1960, Footprints 05149, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections

Rev. Dr Don Battley was the vicar of St Peter's Anglican Church between 1978 - 1982. In this clip he talks about the rapid growth of the suburb during this time. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Rev Don Battley 2016, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-013 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/2693/rec/14 Image: St Peter’s Anglican Church, Pakuranga, 1990, Footprints 01367

In this track we hear from Joan Rutherford who talks about the changes she has seen at the Pakuranga town centre. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Joan Rutherford 2016, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-014 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/2412/rec/15 Image: Aerial view of Pakuranga Town Centre, 1966, Footprints 06014

Mary and Peter Patterson recall the speedboat racing on the Tāmaki River in the 1960s and 1970s. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Mary and Peter Patterson, 2015, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-012 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/2895/rec/13 Image: Speedboat races on Tamaki River, Jan 1963, Whites Aviation, WA-58970-G Alexander Turnbull Library

Irene and Trevor Warbrooke talk about building their home in Pakuranga and the sense of community that characterised the early days in the suburb. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Trevor and Ireen Warbrooke, 2014, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-003 Image: Ireen Warbrooke standing on their section in Gerwyn Place, Private Collecton Warbrooke family.

Brenda Scott grew up on a farm on Glenmore Road. In this extract she talks about life on the farm and the weekly chores. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Brenda Scott, 2014, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-002 https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/oralhistory/id/2324/rec/3

In this track we hear from Ron Elsmore talking about the beginnings of the family grocery business in early Pakuranga. Pakuranga The Early Years Oral History Collection Ron Elsmore, 2014, interview with Karen Lawson. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, OH-1442-007 Image: Lloyd Elsmore's Ezy-Park IGA Supermarket on the corner of Ti Rakau Drive and Pakuranga Road. Courtesy of Howick Historical Society, Footprints_01387, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.