Popoto Waiata

About

This piece was inspired by a well-known Taiwanese folk song, Fishing Song (捕魚歌), originally sung by members of the Amis-Kiwit tribe. It draws inspiration from the traditional performance technique of the Kokang, a Kiwit instrument which consists of 3 to 5 wooden sticks, arranged similar to a Marimba. The title “Popoto Waiata” translates from Maori to English as “Song for the Māui Dolphin”. The composer wants to focus attention to the plight of the Māui dolphin which is on the edge of extinction because of entanglement in fishing gear and drowning. The piece presents the joyous song of the indigenous Taiwanese Fishermen and distorts it through a sinister lens to expose the tragic results that can occur, even from well-meaning individuals. Environmental issues are complex and the composer acknowledges the challenges and opportunities for development posed by ecological problems. It is hoped that this piece will cause listeners to reflect on the precarious state of the Popoto and inspire listeners to support cross-cultural conservation efforts.