Kavanagh, who performs under the name Pūoro Jērome, will perform his trademark `Oro Atua Māori Sound Healing’, which focuses on the use of traditional Māori instruments to promote physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.
Kavanagh’s career has seen him take his taonga pūoro (Māori musical instrument) skills all over the world, including performances at New York's Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
He featured on American composer Christopher Tin's album, Calling All Dawns, which won the Best Classical Crossover Album at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
Kavanagh incorporates a collection of around 40 unique and rare Māori musical instruments into his performances, including nguru (whale tooth nose flute), koauau toroa (albatross wing bone flute), and putorino (a cocoon shaped trumpet flute carved from totara).
Along with his musical career, Kavanagh is one of New Zealand’s most prolific taonga puoro workshop leaders.
UCOL’s Executive Director of Student Success, Dr Nicky van der Bergh says it is privilege for UCOL to host a performer of Jerome Kavanagh’s calibre.
“Not only is Jerome an internationally recognised musician, but his traditional sound healing sessions are in line with the hauora model of wellbeing which UCOL has adopted. This will be a unique and beneficial experience for our staff and students.”
Date: Wednesday 20 March
Time: 12pm – 1pm
Location: UCOL Atrium, corner of King and Princess Streets, Palmerston North.
Free entry.