My own publications

About the lecture

In 2019 I was honoured to be asked to give the annual Lilburn Lecture which is presented by the Lilburn Trust each year in collaboration with Taiwhanga Kauhau the National Library of New Zealand.

Lilburn Trust

I chose to speak about the origin of ngā taonga puoro, their revival, and how I’ve used these musical instruments in my work. The lecture, which took place on 1 November 2019, included a performance of Hineraukatauri by NZSO principal flautist, Bridget Douglas and taonga pūoro performer and researcher, Alistair Fraser.

Hineraukatauri

Read or listen to the lecture

The Lilburn Lecture 2019 — RNZ

About the publication

Internationally renowned composer and ethnomusicologist Jack Body turned 70 in 2014. This book was published to celebrate his birthday and unswerving commitment to New Zealand music at a time when he was also seriously ill. He died in May 2015 between the launch celebrations for the book in Wellington and Auckland.

Featuring more than 120 contributions, Jack! is a varied collection of memories, photos, paintings, art and music from friends and colleagues such as Vincent Ward, Slamet A Sjukur, Geoff Chapple, Martin Lodge, Tan Dun, Jenny McLeod, Gao Ping, Helen Bowater, Ian Wedde, Gareth Farr, Budi Putra, John Psathas and Richard Nunns.

Woven between the stories is a transcript of Jack’s comprehensive Radio NZ ‘Composer of the Week’ interview with Elizabeth Kerr.

Work

My work E Haki is published in the book.

E Haki

Get the book

Buy the book from the publisher.

Jack! — Steele Roberts

Interviews and recordings

I was interviewed about my involvement with the publication when the book was launched.

15 minutes with Dame Gillian Whitehead — Stuff

Scilla Askew and I were interviewed by RNZ Concert just before the Wellington launch.

Scilla Askew and Gillian Whitehead: Jack Body biography — interview

Watch the video of the Wellington launch on 7 May 2015.

Jack! Wellington book launch — video