Richard Nunns
Richard Nunns | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Richard Anthony Nunns |
Born | Napier, New Zealand | 7 December 1945
Origin | New Zealand |
Died | 7 June 2021 Nelson, New Zealand | (aged 75)
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Website | Official website |
Richard Anthony Nunns QSM (7 December 1945 – 7 June 2021) was a Māori traditional instrumentalist of Pākehā heritage. He was particularly known for playing taonga pūoro and his collaboration with fellow Māori instrumentalist Hirini Melbourne. After Melbourne's death, he was regarded as the world's foremost authority on Māori instruments.
Early life and family
Nunns was born on 7 December 1945 in
Professional life
For many years, Nunns performed with Hirini Melbourne (1949–2003), playing traditional Māori instruments. Together, they researched these instruments, which had not been played for over a century, as their use went out of tradition in the 1900s. For many of the instruments, which were still on display in museums, it wasn't even known what technique was used to play them. They are credited with reviving this part of Māori culture.[8] After Melbourne's death, Nunns was regarded as the world's foremost authority on Māori instruments.[4][8]
Nunns co-led the musicians at a dawn ceremony on opening day of
In 2001, Nunns achieved the position of research associate in the music department of the University of Waikato.[9]
Later life and death
Nunns was diagnosed with
Honours and awards
Nunns held an honorary life membership of the New Zealand Flute Association.
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A pūtōrino (flute/trumpet)
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A pūtātara (conch horn)
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A kū (traditional musical bow)
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A porotiti, which is spun very quickly and then blown at
Awards
Aotearoa Music Awards
The
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
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2009 | Richard Nunns | New Zealand Music Hall of Fame | inductee | [17] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Biography". The Arts Foundation. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ a b c d Maniapoto, Moana (19 June 2021). "Remembering Richard Nunns". E-Tangata. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- Fairfax New Zealand. Archivedfrom the original on 21 November 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f g Anderson, Vicki (23 September 2011). "Our Musical Guardian". GO (a weekly supplement to The Press). Christchurch. p. 10.
- ^ "Richard Nunns". Matamata College. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
- ^ "Richard Nunns". Christchurch Arts Festival. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ Wrightson, Louise (April 2016). "Louise Wrightson farewells Rachel Bush". NZ Poetry Shelf. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- ^ APN News & Media. 17 September 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
- ^ a b c "Richard Nunns". University of Waikato. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ "Richard Nunns releases a new album". Wellington Music. Wellington City Libraries. 22 July 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ "Richard Nunns - AudioCulture". AudioCulture. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Jones, Katy (8 June 2021). "Man who helped breathe life back into Māori music instruments has died". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 June 2021.
- ^ "Richard Nunns death notice". Dominion Post. 12 June 2021. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
- Fairfax New Zealand. 1 June 2009. Archivedfrom the original on 8 June 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2011.
- Fairfax New Zealand. Archivedfrom the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
- ^ "Hirini Melbourne & Richard Nunns". APRA | AMCOS New Zealand. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
- ^ "HOME INDUCTEES". www.musichall.co.nz. Retrieved 16 August 2021.
External links
- Video showing Richard Nunns discussing traditional Māori instruments
- Richard Nunns discography at Discogs
- Richard Nunns at IMDb
- Richard Nunns Collection at the Alexander Turnbull Library