Seven Words Seven Responses

We unite classical European tradition with the ancient voice of Aotearoa through a powerful meditation on grief, grace, and transition. The performance centres on Franz Joseph Haydn’s profound masterpiece, The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross. Originally written to accompany the solemnity of Good Friday, Haydn’s music uses deeply expressive string textures to capture the raw emotional weight, sorrow, and ultimate transcendence of Christ's final moments. Interwoven throughout the classical movements are contemporary sonic responses by acclaimed composer and performer Rob Thorne. Utilizing taonga pūoro — traditional Māori instruments made of stone, bone, wood, and shell — Thorne creates an atmospheric bridge between eras and cultures. His evocative reflections infuse the performance with a haunting, elemental dimension. The breath, wind, and rhythms of the indigenous instruments echo the raw human suffering and spiritual peace found in Haydn's score. The result is a deeply moving cross-cultural dialogue that transcends religious boundaries. This concert promises an immersive, contemplative experience where silence, acoustic resonance, and sacred storytelling meet.
Kāhui St David’s has a superb acoustic. Expect wonderful sounds resonating through the fine timber-lined room. It’s a gorgeous space and we love playing there.