Last year we matched four musicians from the Ockham Collective (an annual residency programme that provides spaces for artists to work) with the four finalist poets from the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. It was such a hit we’re bringing the idea back to the Aotea Centre to celebrate the shortlisted poets for the 2023 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. Pianist Jessie Leov, cellist Martin Roberts, violinist Joella Pinto and pianist Ben Fernandez respond to readings by Joanna Cho, Anahera Maire Gildea (Ngāti Tukorehe), Rushi Vyas will be reading for Khadro Mohamed and Ammon Apiata, Hineitimoana Greensill, Essa May Ranapiri, Jesi Lujan Bennett, Mere Taito, Wanda Ieremia-Allan, Maureen Fepuleai & Marama Salsano will perform for Alice Te Punga Somerville (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki).

Supported by New Zealand Book Awards Trust.