Te Mea Nui

Based on three Maori whakataukil (proverbs) found hanging in the Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand, this piece has taken on significance as a lament both for the composer's father and the victims of the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010-2011. The text asks, "What is the most important thing in the world?" and answers emphatically "It is people, it is people, it is people." This a cappella anthem of unity sung in Maori reminds us to stand together and to care for each other.