ZORA means bloom, dawn and power, in 3 of the 5 different languages sung by Tui Mamaki in this fresh project, joined by the phenomenal musicians Rasoul Abbasi on Kamanche (Iran), Hanna Wiskari on saxophone (Sweden) & Basant Madhur on Tabla (India).

While interweaving traditional repertoire from their colourful musical heritage (Bulgarian, Persian, Arabic, Hindustani, French and Swedish), they explore parallels and differences – through bespoke arrangements with space for improvisation – and embody a kind of listening that comes with feeling honoured to be in collaboration.

ZORA represents our capacity to appreciate beauty and the invigorating sense of hope we are able to experience through the communion of living music – a music which here transcends cultural boundaries, languages and time.

Premiering at Auckland Folk Festival 2026
= Saturday 24th January @ 2pm, The Mill