Tahitian music competition returns

The Ta’urua Hīmene competition, which blends traditional Tahitian singing styles with an innovative category, will be held in Tahiti on Friday, October 23, at the Grand Theatre of the Maison de la culture.

Competition includes new categories and more groups

This year marks the third edition of the competition evening and is followed by the tenth public concert at Pointe Vénus on November 7. The competition includes 12 groups competing in three main categories and an optional hīmene ‘otorau category, which requires groups to compose a medley with at least two traditional songs. The number of groups has increased from 10 to 12, and the prize list includes four new awards: best author, best composer, best costume, and best ra’atira ti’ati’a hīmene.

Event promotes traditional music and youth participation

The Ta’urua Hīmene competition aims to promote Polynesian polyphonic singing, encourage artistic expression, and preserve a heritage passed down through generations. The event is open to youth, with teenagers starting from 12 years old able to participate, limited to three participants per group.

Competing groups across three categories

Among the competing groups, in the tārava Tahiti category: Taure’a a ara from Don Bosco High School, Tamari’i ‘ōra’e from the Centre des métiers d’art, Rau vevo from the Socredo Bank, and Te Manu ‘āi’a; in the tārava Raromata’i category: ‘Aihono from the University of French Polynesia, Te U’i hou nō Tipaeru’i, Pu tāru’u, and Tamari’i Mahina Raromata’i; in the tārava Tuha’a Pae category: Sissa-Sué Okota’i, Tupu au, Rama ora, and Tupu ora. All of them also participate in the hīmene ‘otorau category.

Jury includes respected music experts

The jury consists of six experts recognized for their skills in the field of hīmene and writing: Robert Peretia as president of the jury, Ma Zinguerlet, Pierrot Faraire, Teriitemiro Chang Ah Sang, Armandine Manarii, and Benjamin Colombani.

Event details and ticket prices

The competition evening will take place on Friday, October 23, at 6 p.m., at the Grand Theatre of the Maison de la culture. Tickets are available on site and online at https://billetterie.maisondelaculture.pf. Prices are 1,000 francs for adults, 500 francs for students up to 25 years old, free for people with reduced mobility and children under 2 years old. The public concert on Saturday, November 7, at 7 p.m., at Pointe Vénus, Mahina, is free to attend. More information is available on the Maison de la culture Facebook page.